Exclusive: Aftermath of demolition: Our current condition, will of God—FCT Ruga Community Secretary

Operation Sweep, a task force established by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, had on November 4 demolished houses in the Ruga settlement along Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja, throwing inhabitants, including women and their children, in alfresco (in the open) without alternative shelters.

Persecondnews reported that protesters, led by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, had taken to the streets on Friday, November 8, to express their discontent and anger against the government’s action.

Specifically, the protesters condemned the heavy-handed and oppressive methods used by the task force in carrying out the exercise, advocating a more humane approach

Reacting to the outcry against the activities of the task force, the minister said his administration will not be deterred by civil society organizations and activists’ blackmail, who called for the stoppage of the demolition of houses in the FCT.

He said despite potential blackmail, intimidation, or abuse, his team remains committed to carrying out their duties.

In an exclusive chat with Persecondnews in Lugbe on Thursday, November 14, said that despite the harsh harmattan breeze at night, which has made their living conditions quite challenging due to their demolished houses, they remain steadfast and accepting.

“As people of faith, we trust that everything happening to us is part of the Almighty God’s plan, and we find comfort in knowing he is always in control.”

On the allegation of involvement in criminal activities by the community, Yusuf expressed surprise at the claim, emphasizing his community’s commitment to peace and security, evidenced by their volunteer efforts with law enforcement to support FCT’s security initiatives.

The secretary revealed that their members have voluntarily joined the Civilian Joint Task Force and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to enhance FCT’s security.

The full interview:

PSN: Did you receive a preliminary warning or notice to vacate the land before the demolition?

Yusuf: There was an initial notice, but for us it was short; they gave us notice on the afternoon of Saturday, November 2, and by Monday, which is November 4, they came to demolish the whole place.

We were not fully prepared when they came because if they had warned us earlier, we would have contacted the authorities to even know why they are coming for the demolition.

PSN: Witnesses claim that people were manhandled during the demolition exercise. How true is that?

Yusuf: Demolition at Ruga Community, which has four sections, was mostly smooth over four days, but things took a turn when someone got shot.

I really do not know exactly what happened, but the security must have had their reason why they shot at him, but he is even already responding to treatment.

Apart from that incident, they handled everyone well; there were no serious issues.

We have always been peaceful with the authorities, so whenever they come for the demolition, we watch them do their jobs, and once they leave, we pick whatever we can pick of our stuff.

PSN: The FCT minister claims this area is a hotspot for Abuja’s criminal activities. Is that true?

Yusuf: It remains an allegation because the same way somebody will say negative things about this community, I also can also say positive things about my community.

Because we love peace and security, many of us are members of the Civilian Joint Task Force; in fact, some of us are members of the Police Community Relations Community (PCRC), and we have been helping the police to combat crime within the society and even outside the society.

Our security team proactively prevented potential chaos during the #EndBadGovernance demonstration by arresting suspicious individuals and turning them over to police.

If on our own we were able to come up with something like this to protect the community, I think it is unfair to be accused wrongly.

PSN: What is the current living situation following the demolition, particularly with the onset of harmattan’s cooler nights?

Yusuf: Despite the harsh Harmattan breeze at night, which has made our living conditions quite challenging due to our demolished houses, we remain steadfast and accepting.

As people of faith, we trust that everything happening to us is part of the Almighty God’s plan, and we find comfort in knowing He’s always in control.

We remain in this location because we are engaged in discussions with the government, which has instructed us to avoid constructing shelters. We prioritize compliance and cooperation with authorities.

The plight of this community, comprising Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, should resonate with the entire nation.

PSN: Are individuals residing in this community refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to Boko Haram’s activities?

Yusuf: Many residents here are victims of terrorism and banditry, hailing from affected states such as Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Adamawa, and Benue State.

Historically, these states have faced persistent terrorism threats, forcing displacement.

Many residents here fled their homes to escape violence and economic hardship, now supporting their families through income earned in this community.

PSN: I heard the Ruga Community leaders met with the FCT Minister on this demolition issue. What was the outcome of the meeting?

Yusuf: Yes, that is true; I led the delegation that attended the meeting with FCT Ministry officials, including the FCT Commissioner of Police, Guards Brigade Commander, and NSCDC representatives.

The government has committed to resettling us and compensating damaged properties, demonstrating commendable responsiveness to our plight.

Given the progress being made, I am optimistic about a favorable outcome.”