The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in a recent move to improve security and reclaim encroached land, has demolished an illegal settlement, known as Ruga, along Abuja’s Airport Road.
The settlement, situated behind the National Park and National Military Cemetery, consisted of hundreds of makeshift shanties made from sacks, planks, and scrap roofing sheets.
These structures, many built on other people’s plots, were destroyed and set ablaze by the FCTA’s Special Ministerial Task Team on Tuesday.
Adamu Gwari, Director of the FCT Security Service Department, represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, emphasized the risks posed by the settlement.
“You know we have had incidents of the rail tracks being vandalized. As such, demolishing the illegal structures would improve security on the rail corridor,” he stated, noting the site’s proximity to the Abuja Metro Line and the potential threats to residents using it.
The FCTA is taking measures to prevent reoccupation. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has warned plot owners that they must develop their land soon or risk revocation of their allocations.
Gwari added, “Most of the plot owners have complained that they could not access the plots because of these shanties and criminal elements residing here. Some of them have tried to take over their plots but were attacked by the illegal occupants.”
With the area now cleared, the FCTA is urging legitimate landowners to take immediate possession and start development, ensuring a safer, more secure environment along the Airport Road corridor.
