NEWS
Insecurity: Squatters Get Final Notice to Vacate Abuja Bridges
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, on Tuesday, issued a week’s notice to hundreds of squatters mainly suspected hoodlums taking refuge under bridges in Garki, Wuse II, Maitama and Wuse Districts of Abuja, to immediately leave or face the wrath of the law.
According to the FCTA, some of the affected places are supposed to be green spots but they are virtually turned into where people stay in slums, and carry out nefarious activities in the city.
Making this point, Dr. Fred Kpakol, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Environmental and Waste Management to the FCT Minister, decried that the invaded under bridges have become an eyesore, where people are burning firewood, which will affect their lifespan and eventually bring about the collapse of the bridges.
Kpakol spoke when he led officials of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), to sensitise the squatters on the looming health and security threats, as they are prone to diseases and death within such places and its environs.
He warned those staying under bridges in different parts of the city to leave as it is going to carry out an operation storm under the bridges and clear any miscreants and people who are not supposed to be there, at the expiration of the notice.
He said: “The full arm of the law will be invoked, that is why we have given them one week to be out of these places, because we are going to be moving from place to place, and make sure that things are put in the right place where they are supposed to be.
“You are aware of the prevailing kidnappings and other atrocities people commit from different places and run under the bridges, taking refuge under the slums there, which is unacceptable.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is out to give the people a renewed-hope, through the instrumentalities in the hands of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who is prepared to make the city clean, and for this city to be clean, slums like this has to be taking care of.
“Because the security of this city is very important as the face of Nigeria, and we cannot deface the country, we want to warn on a very strong note that any human being that comes here to stay must have to leave.
“If you have the capacity or potential to do something in the city, then you take up what is right for you to do, and stay, not just to come and look anywhere to stay, and become a nuisance to the society. It is totally unacceptable, and we have given them one week, within which we will come and evacuate them from these places.”
On the decision to sensitise the squatters before dislodging them, the Minister’s Aide: “This government has a human face, that is why we want to appeal to them, by speaking to their conscience that there is no need to lose hope or feel that if they don’t have anything to do, then they stay under bridges. This is a suicidal mission, as there could be an outbreak of epidemic that could consume all of them.
Also, on the appeal for the government to provide an alternative place for the displaced persons to relocate to, Kpakol said the government cannot do everything, but there are agencies of government that they can reach out to, for possible intervention.
Similarly, Deputy Director Monitoring and Enforcement, AEPB, Kaka Bello, reiterated that at the expiration of notice served, enforcement will be carried out with relevant agencies at some of the bridges on Ahmadu Bello Way, Ademola Adetokumbo way, Wuse II and the Park way, along the Wuse market area.
Bello added that some of the notorious spots are the bridge close to Transcorp Hilton on Ademola Adetokumbo way, the Park way close to Wuse market, before the Kashim Ibrahim Bridge, the bridge on Ahmadu Bello Way close to Diamond Bank Junction and also the bridge just before Area 11, where there are a lot of artisans.
“Though we have been able to remove them, the harm done to these infrastructure can be seen clearly. We are going to carry out the much needed enforcement so we are appealing to them to vacate all the bridges.
“They should take this as a final notice to evacuate their things, because in a week’s time we will move in and start removing all those nuisances”, he stressed.
Some of the affected persons who spoke, attributed their continued invasion of the bridges to economic hardship in the land.
They however, made passionate appeals to the government to assist them to find another place to relocate, in order to continue their economic activities.
For one Iya Gizo, who identified herself as a widow, who hails from Nasarawa State, although she was aware of the dangers of living under the bridge, there is no other available place for her to stay and do business, so as to cater for herself and family.
Also, an artisan operating under the bridge, near City Park in Wuse II, Emmanuel Abraham, decried that the looming clearance operation would not only dislodge him and others struggling to survive, but make them more vulnerable to the prevailing security and economic threats in the city.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.
The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.
During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.
Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.
The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.
The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.
Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens
By David Torough, Abuja
Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.
He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.
Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.
He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.
He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.
The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.
The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.
From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.
Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.
Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.
Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.
Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.
A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.
One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.
“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.
Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”
The PPRO did not disclosed further information.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.
He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.
He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.
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