FCT says no Gbagy community will be demolished without resettlement
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has given assurance that no indigenous community would be demolished until the implementation of full resettlement by the government.
The Chairman, FCTA Ministerial Taskforce on City Sanitation, Ikharo Attah, gave the assurance at a meeting with native chiefs and some key stakeholders within the indigenous community of Iddo Sabo in Abuja.
Mr Attah warned residents to desist from buying pieces of land from native chiefs as the ongoing demolition would affect lands sold by unauthorised persons.
“The Abuja original inhabitants have been very peaceful, and the administration commends them for that.
“In all that we have done, we have not sacked any indigenous community and certainly, we will not sack any without full resettlement.
“But we are hoping that the community will actually enjoy the breath of fresh air. Enjoy the fact that they gave their lands for Abuja to be developed.
“That’s why I keep telling people not to buy land from local chiefs because when the FCTA commences integration only indigenes will be accommodated by the policy,” he said.
He said all the lands that had been reclaimed by the FCT administration at Iddo Sarki had been turned to farmland by indigenous and those who bought from them are already “reading the book of lamentation.”
Earlier, the Director, FCT Security Services, Adamu Gwary, said that the engagement would be a continuous exercise, adding that all the communities affected by the demolition would be involved in the meeting.
He disclosed that traditional and youth leaders and other groups would also be engaged in the discussion.
He, however, warned mischief makers against misinterpreting the intent of the government.
Also speaking, the District Head of Gui, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hassan Yusuf, commended the FCTA for taking steps to engage the stakeholders on the need to sanitize the natives on the Abuja Master Plan.
He promised the full commitment of the Abuja natives to the ongoing cleanup to restore sanity in the Abuja communities.
“I don’t have anything to say than to thank you for honouring my request to stop demolition until we have a roundtable discussion.
“You have given us enough time to go back and sanitise our community and we will not fail you. Before our second meeting, you will hear a positive result,” he said.
