A task force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday demolished a squatter settlement known as Cashew Garden, located behind the Federal Housing Authority in Apo District, Cadastral Zone E27, Abuja.
The operation, which took place during a torrential downpour, saw bulldozers level makeshift structures as residents hurriedly packed their belongings. Hundreds of families were displaced, with many lamenting the sudden loss of their homes and livelihoods.
Community chairman Stephen Obiozor described the exercise as devastating.
“We are in a state of distress,” Obiozor said. “The demolition was sudden and unexpected, and many of us have lost our homes and means of survival. We urge the authorities to reconsider and find a solution to our plight.”
However, the FCTA defended the action, citing illegal occupation and security concerns. Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said the demolition was in line with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s directive to clear the city of illegal structures and criminal hideouts.
According to Galadima, the land was originally allocated for residential development but remained undeveloped by the allottees, who allegedly allowed squatters to occupy it.
“Who gave them permission to stay there?” he asked. “From what we have seen and based on the directive given, we are taking over the place. All those who claim to have plots should consider them revoked, as they appear to be harbouring these people.”
He added that the FCT Security Council had mandated the takeover and development of the site in line with the original plans.
The demolition has sparked public debate, with critics questioning the government’s handling of long-standing informal settlements and the humanitarian impact on affected residents. While the FCTA insists the area was a security risk, displaced residents maintain they are law-abiding citizens who have lived there peacefully for years.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between urban development plans and the realities of informal housing in Nigeria’s capital.
