The recent demolition of homes in the Ruga settlement along Airport Road in Abuja has led to public outcry.

On Friday, November 8, 2024, residents protested, demanding that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike be held responsible for the destruction of their community.

Kristina Reports gathered that Wike had earlier directed “Operation Sweep” to tear down Ruga and other areas in the capital to remove perceived issues and criminal activity.

Protesters, led by lawyer Deji Adeyanju and influencer Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man, accused Wike’s task force, “Operation Sweep,” of using forceful tactics that have left many residents homeless.

Adeyanju criticized the demolition, noting that homes were set on fire and property worth millions was destroyed.

“There is no justification for this demolition. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider the plight of the displaced residents, who are barely surviving,”

“These demolitions are excessive,” he continued, “and Mr. President needs to act to prevent further harassment of the people.

We are sounding a warning to those in government that peace is only achievable if the poor are allowed to live peacefully. When the poor cannot sleep, it affects everyone.”

Very Dark Man on his end said that this is not a good look on the presidency as this would have immense repercussions.

“The repercussions of this will have a heavy toll on Abuja. These people have been rendered homeless amid the ongoing hardship in the country. They are evicting these people without compensating them. It is sad that the elite think the poor are not part of society.”