FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
As part of efforts to rid the Federal Capital Territory of shanties, the FCT Administration on Tuesday, stormed and cleared a notorious slum within the squatter’s settlement behind the National Military Cemetery.
The team code-named ‘Operation Sweep’ headed by Police Commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, had embarked on the special operation, following the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to ensure that the city centre is rid of every form of nuisances and criminality.
Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji, who represented the FCTA Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, said, the operation has been ongoing for nine days, covering four sectors of the city simultaneously.
He explained that the Ruga village had become an area of interest, as numerous shanties and illegal structures have been erected on private plots of land, harbouring criminal elements and unauthorized persons.
“The site’s proximity to the rail corridors poses a significant security risk, particularly given the recent incidents of rail track vandalism,” Dr. Peter explained.
“Because of the concern, the FCT Administration established a special task team called ‘Operation Sweep’ headed by the Commissioner of FCT, CP Olatunji Disu. We have been working from day one, and this is the 9th day.
“Ruga village is where we have a lot of shanties and other illegal structures on peoples’ plots of land, and it has been established overtime these structures harbour criminal elements and all unauthorised persons, who go into activities that are abominable to the law of the land.
“The site is also close to the rail corridors, and we must always make such places safer for those using the Metro line. This is why we removed the illegal structures. You know we have had incidences of vandalism of the rail tracks.
“Coming here to remove this unplanned settlement and shanties would improve the security of the rail corridor. The operation is a holistic one that covers different activities in the city.”
On the evacuation of beggars off the streets of Abuja, Dr. Peter explained that the FCT Minister is committed to giving individuals a sense of living, not just removing them from the streets.
He disclosed that the administration, through the Social Development Secretariat is providing food and training in various trades to the 326 beggars arrested and kept at the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Center in Bwari.
He added that this approach has been appreciated by residents, who have been supportive of the cleanup efforts.
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