Homeowners in Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road in Abuja, took to the streets on Friday to protest the demolition of their homes by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Reports indicate that Wike had ordered a task force, “Operation Sweep,” to demolish Ruga and other communities within the capital, aiming to clear perceived nuisances and curb criminal activities.

The protest was led by lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, along with Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. Both argued that the demolition was carried out with malicious intent. Adeyanju expressed concern, stating that the task force had burned numerous houses and destroyed property valued at millions of naira.

Adeyanju appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the impact on displaced residents, many of whom had fled from insecurity in Borno and other northern states. He stated, “There is no justification for this demolition. We urge the president to consider the plight of these displaced residents who are barely surviving.”

He added that most of Ruga’s residents, including artisans, were struggling to make a living, and described the demolitions as excessive. “Peace is only achievable if the poor are allowed to live peacefully. When the poor cannot sleep, it affects everyone,” he said, calling on President Tinubu to prevent further actions against the community. Adeyanju urged Tinubu to restrain Wike, saying, “There is no justification for demolishing these homes and reallocating the land to the wealthy. This community is far from the main road and poses no public interest threat.”

Otse echoed Adeyanju’s concerns, stating, “The repercussions of this will weigh heavily on Abuja. This area is not near the main road, yet people have been rendered homeless amid ongoing hardships.” He criticized the lack of compensation for affected residents, adding, “It is sad that the elite think the poor are not part of society.”