Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged residents to publicly accuse him if their properties were demolished without compensation.
The statement was made on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the commissioning of an Arterial Road project.
Wike insisted the administration under President Bola Tinubu remains firm against blackmail. He urged genuine claims to be presented directly for resolution.
“So, if you say you have property and it was demolished and you were not paid, come and say so. I challenge anybody,” Wike declared.
He added that assistance would be provided for legitimate cases. However, he rejected attempts at media or activist pressure.
“If you want any help from me that you think we should do, come properly I will do it for you. But if it is by carrying blackmail, no way, it does not work,” the minister said.
“This government cannot fall for any blackmail. We must stand firm, and we are firm to do what we think is right,” he emphasised.
Wike’s comments reflect ongoing demolition exercises across Abuja to clear illegal structures, expand roads, and restore waterways. These efforts have displaced many residents and sparked debates.
Previous instances saw Wike ordering compensation payments. In March 2025, he directed full settlement of N1.3 billion to Gishiri village victims after increasing an initial amount due to economic hardship.
Critics, however, point to cases of alleged inadequate compensation and sudden displacements. The African Action Congress previously warned against demolitions without proper support, highlighting resident hardships.
In late 2024, the Senate initiated a probe into FCT demolitions and planned to invite Wike for explanations.
Controversies extend to land revocations affecting military personnel and accusations of selective enforcement. Viral incidents, including confrontations over disputed plots, have fueled public scrutiny.
Some affected individuals claim properties were lost without notice or fair process, leaving families homeless. Others argue many structures were illegal encroachments on government land.
Wike has maintained that legally acquired properties with proper documentation receive compensation. He has supervised demolitions personally in some areas to enforce compliance.
The minister previously stressed sustainability limits. He questioned government responsibility for sheltering everyone migrating to Abuja due to poverty.
Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) remain divided. Some users praise Wike’s development drive, while others recount personal losses without redress.
As infrastructure projects advance, the balance between urban renewal and resident welfare continues to draw attention. Wike’s latest challenge puts the onus on claimants to provide evidence.
Observers note that while demolitions aim at long-term order, immediate human costs remain a point of contention in the FCT.
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