A coalition of indigenous groups and residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to intervene following the recent demolition of homes in the Kuchibedna community, located in Kafe District.
The community leaders described the demolition as indiscriminate, leaving hundreds of residents homeless and threatening the cultural heritage of the FCT’s original inhabitants.
At a weekend press briefing in Abuja, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, Coordinator of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, expressed frustration and demanded immediate compensation for displaced residents.
“We call on Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike to ensure all affected residents of Kuchibedna are fairly compensated,” said Dara. He further stressed that other displaced communities, such as Gishiri and Dagbalo, must also receive redress.
Dara warned that continued demolitions without compensation could escalate tensions, questioning why FCT natives are treated as second-class citizens despite being the original inhabitants of the territory.
“The federal government must halt indiscriminate demolition of our communities and respect the rights of FCT indigenes. Proper democratic structures should be strengthened to prevent marginalisation,” he added.
He highlighted that residents are often given little or no notice before demolitions occur, describing the actions as an erosion of indigenous heritage and culture.
The community leaders are calling on the FCT administration to balance urban development with the welfare and rights of native residents.
