Residents of Nyanya, whose homes were demolished, are requesting that Muhammad Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), look into allegations of illegal demolition by the Abuja Development Control.
Owners of the demolished properties argued that the Minister should also become involved in the conflicts that have arisen as a result of the destruction of their properties in Abuja and mediate a peaceful resolution.
The group demanded that the National Human Rights Commission look into the violation of their basic human right to live and own property within the Nigerian State without delay at a news conference.
Spokesman of the group, Abuo Andrew, while appealing to the Minister, said Bello was misled to approve demolition on the grounds that the land was under a high-tension electricity pylon.
According to him, such a claim was false and misleading to a man who trusted the FCT team to provide him with the right information as he governed the Federal Capital Territory, Nyanya extension inclusive.
The displaced property owners also said the land on dispute was acquired six years ago from an Estate Company, Niyi Olamide Ventures (Formerly F&B ventures).
The property owners said they have invested in the property over the years through the development of the land, provision of access road and electrification of the Estate.
They argued that upon being served with the notice of demolition, they approached the Abuja Development Control; the department did not state that they violated any laws of their mandate, such as building on a sewage line, power line, drainage or on access to the road.
The group said the Minister of FCT needed to look into the matter and ensure that members of the society are protected from arbitrary actions influenced by misleading information to serve interests that undermine public trust in government.
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