Indigenous residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the umbrella of the Senior Citizens Forum, have strongly condemned the recent demolition of houses in Gishiri community, demanding fair compensation for affected families.
Speaking at a press conference, the group’s leader, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, criticized the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for forcefully evicting people without adequate consultation or compensation.
“While infrastructure development, such as road construction, is undoubtedly important, it should never come at the cost of people’s homes and lives,” Dara said. “The government has a moral and legal obligation to negotiate with affected families and respect their rights.”
The demolitions in Gishiri, a predominantly indigenous settlement in Abuja, have drawn outrage from advocacy groups and residents who say they were not given sufficient notice or compensation before their homes were torn down.
Elder Dara warned that ignoring the concerns of Abuja’s native communities could create long-term divisions and resistance to future projects. He called for transparency in how compensation is handled, insisting that affected families must receive settlements reflecting the true value of their lost properties.
“Compensation must not be shrouded in mystery. It must be clear, just, and reflective of the true value of what has been lost,” he stated.
Dara also expressed concerns about the broader impact of forced evictions, cautioning that such actions could erode trust between the government and indigenous communities. He urged authorities to establish proper democratic structures that promote fairness, engagement, and respect for the rights of all citizens.
As the FCT continues its urban development plans, the dispute over Gishiri highlights the ongoing struggle between modernization and indigenous land rights, with affected residents demanding justice and fair treatment.
