The Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) has called for the suspension of demolition exercises across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing rising tension and alleged political interference in the process.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the group’s executive director, Commandant Isaac David, said the ongoing demolitions affecting indigenous communities have created fear, legal disputes and growing mistrust between residents and government authorities.
David alleged that some political actors may be exploiting the situation to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, through what he described as coordinated attempts to politicise enforcement actions.
He urged the FCT Minister to direct the Department of Development Control to halt further demolitions pending wider consultations with affected communities, traditional rulers, developers and relevant stakeholders.
The group also proposed the establishment of a Fact-Finding and Advisory Committee to independently verify demolition requests, compensation claims and land allocation disputes before any approvals are granted.
David warned that without transparent engagement and due process, the demolition activities could deepen grievances, trigger more litigation and weaken public confidence in government decisions within the territory.
