Nigerian Minister Defends Demolitions in Abuja, Blames Criminals
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has defended the recent demolition of structures in Abuja, saying the operation targets criminal hideouts rather than law-abiding citizens. He claims the operation is focused on targeting areas such as Durumi and Jabi, which security agencies have flagged as safe havens for criminal activity.
Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike explained that the clearance operations are necessary after security agencies identified these locations as hotbeds of criminal activity. Wike said, "We moved in at 2am. Of course, they will cry, "Oh, this government is very wicked. They don't have the heart of the people." What suffering are you talking about? As a criminal? We should allow you?"
The Minister stressed that leadership often requires difficult and unpopular decisions, noting that criticism is inevitable when enforcing law and order. This is a challenging aspect of leadership, he said, adding that tough decisions must be made to ensure public safety.
Wike dismissed claims that demolitions in Durumi had worsened insecurity by pushing criminals into neighboring communities, arguing that removing their hideouts ultimately strengthens public safety. When asked where criminals would go without hideouts, Wike replied, "When they have no hiding place, where would they be? They will run away."
He also rejected claims that the demolitions would release criminals into neighboring communities, stating that the demolitions actually serve public safety by removing places for criminals to hide. If someone commits an offense, Wike emphasized, "you have no place to hide. And when you have no place to hide, it discourages you from continuing with such a crime."
Additionally, Wike addressed claims that he was involved in property ownership in Florida, United States, saying there is no law prohibiting Nigerians from owning property abroad. However, he clarified that he does not own the house in question.
The FCT Minister also spoke about the proposed Abuja city gate project, which was first brought to his attention by the First Lady. The First Lady pointed out that Abuja's current city gate was not visually appealing and questioned whether it was sufficient as a city gate.
Wike described the project as part of collaborative efforts to improve the capital's aesthetics. He mentioned that the First Lady will be commissioning the project, highlighting the administration's commitment to improving Abuja's infrastructure.
Moreover, Wike warned that any allocated land left undeveloped would be revoked, emphasizing that the administration would not hesitate to enforce planning regulations in the nation's capital. He stated that the administration would take decisive action to implement planning regulations and maintain the aesthetics of the capital.
Finally, Wike repeated that it is unfair for people to claim that the demolitions in Jabi had worsened insecurity. He reiterated that the demolitions are aimed at discouraging crime by removing places for criminals to hide.
Wike added, "We moved in at 2am. Of course, they will cry, "Oh, this government is very wicked. They don't have the heart of the people." What suffering are you talking about? As a criminal? We should allow you?" He concluded by emphasizing the administration's commitment to public safety and its willingness to take tough decisions to ensure it.