Just On Friday, Residents of Ruga settlement along Airport Road, Abuja, held a peaceful protest against the demolition of their homes, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s “Operation Sweep” initiative.
The recent wave of demolitions comes as part of “Operation Sweep,” a task force initiative established by Wike to address concerns about criminal activities and public nuisances within the city.
The Ruga residents voiced their concerns about the impact of the demolition on their livelihoods and the overall security of the area.
Prominent lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, alongside Vincent Martins Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan, joined the protesters to lend their voices to the cause.
Both Adeyanju and Otse called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the demolition exercise, emphasizing that such actions could worsen insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory.
Adeyanju highlighted that the demolitions not only displace families but also increase economic hardship, potentially leading to a rise in social issues, including crime.
“This demolition will have severe consequences on residents, pushing them into desperation,” he stated during the demonstration.
The protest reflects a growing concern among residents over how urban development and security policies affect vulnerable communities in Abuja.