Take It Back Movement Organizer at the Abuja branch, Emmanuel Larry, has spoken out against the actions of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, for targeting and appropriating land in areas primarily inhabited by low-income individuals and also denouncing his policies as “crimes against humanity.”
On Friday morning, several Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents were out to protest the seizure of land from impoverished communities by Minister Nyesom Wike.
The protesters, comprised of aggrieved residents and human rights activists, criticized the FCT administration under Wike’s leadership for targeting and appropriating land in areas primarily inhabited by low-income individuals.
Emmanuel Larry, a committed organizer of the Take It Back Movement Abuja branch, participated in the protest to demonstrate solidarity with the affected FCT residents and delivered a passionate speech addressing the injustices faced by the Ruga community. Larry demand that Wike should immediately cease the inhumane treatment of ordinary citizens and the unjust demolition of lands belonging to the Ruga community, stressing that such actions are unlawful and violate basic human rights principles.
“Wike must immediately halt the inhumane treatment of ordinary citizens and the unjust demolition of lands belonging to the Ruga community. The ongoing actions of forcibly displacing families and demolishing their homes are not only unlawful but are in direct violation of basic human rights principles.”, he said.
Highlighting the plight of the marginalized Ruga community, Larry condemned the government’s disregard for their rights and well-being, “The Ruga community, like all citizens, deserves to live in dignity, peace, and security. No government has the right to trample upon the livelihoods of its people, especially when they are already marginalized. The indiscriminate destruction of property and homes without due process is a flagrant disregard for the rights and well-being of these individuals.”
He called upon Wike to take the following actions:
“1. Stop the demolitions: Cease all forms of destruction on Ruga community land immediately and halt any further plans to displace these citizens. 2. Respect human rights: Uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens, ensuring they have access to fair treatment and justice, as enshrined in both national and international human rights frameworks. 3. Engage in dialogue: Open a peaceful and inclusive dialogue with the affected communities to understand their concerns and explore viable, humane solutions that prioritize their well-being and protection. 4. Ensure due process: Any land-related decisions must follow proper legal channels, with transparent consultations, fair compensation, and a commitment to the rights of those displaced.“
And he further stressed that, “It is time to prioritize the safety, dignity, and rights of every citizen. We urge Wike to act responsibly, halt the unjust demolitions, and provide justice for the Ruga community. The state must always stand for the rights of its people, not against them.”
Prominent lawyer and human rights advocate, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, who also joined the protest to express his solidarity with the FCT residents called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the implementation of what he described as “wicked policies” pursued by Minister Wike, which have reportedly displaced hundreds of families from their homes.
Mr Adeyanju said Wike’s “land grabbing policies will further exacerbate insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory”.
The lawyer said: “They are dismayed and they are worried that efforts to grab this land are more pressing and it is more unrelenting. Just like we have said earlier, we are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the FCT minister to release poor people’s lands to them. Poor people’s lands belong to the poor people.
“If they are badly in need of land to grab, they should go to Asokoro, Maitama Extension, and Guzape. There are many places to grab land. Why will you come to the poor to grab land so that you can give it to the rich? It will increase insecurity in the country.”
Over the past few weeks, the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been conducting a series of house demolitions in the Lugbe area of Abuja.
Affected residents made it known that Wike’s administration has carried out these demolitions without providing any prior notice or warning, leaving many families homeless and in despair.
Videos capturing the devastation have gone viral, with residents openly lamenting the injustice they have experienced at the hands of the minister’s actions.
“We saw the development control; they came here and the next thing they started removing houses. There was no prior notice,” one of the victims said.
“They didn’t tell us anything; all we heard was that the minister was interested in the place and that they said they should remove anything that is existing there.
“We have a layout which the director of development control signed his approval on. I don’t know why they are doing that. They did it in Centenary City and for 14 years, we have been going for relocation and up till now, we have not gotten it, but if they are interested in a layout, they do it within one month.”, the victim added.
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