Scavengers in Abuja's Kado Village Challenge FCT Minister Wike by Rebuilding Shanties Following Demolition

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, residents are slowly returning to the Kado community along the Bannex Highway near the BUA estate, following the demolition of makeshift structures there. 

The clearing of these shanties occurred under directives from the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who had ordered their removal across several districts including Mabushi, Jahi, and Kado to improve security and adherence to city planning laws.

The demolition drive started after Minister Wike's inspection of the area in October 2023. He particularly focused on a segment known as ‘Road N12’ within the Mabushi District, which had been overrun by groups identified as scavengers or ‘Baban Bola’. This community, hidden behind the Minister’s Quarters, was labeled a security threat by Wike due to its unplanned structures and the shadowy cover provided by dense cashew plantations, originally planted by local FCT residents.

Wike criticized the planting of such trees in designated development zones, warning that the government would not compensate for their removal. He expressed concerns that these areas were becoming harbors for criminal activities and insisted on the necessity of keeping them clear.

In his commitment to restoring the city’s master plan, Wike had previously sanctioned the demolition of over 30 slums, involving around 6,000 structures surveyed by the Federal Capital Development Authority before his tenure. The broader aim was to eliminate all shanties and unauthorized buildings that marred the capital’s layout, with particular attention on areas like Apo Mechanic Village, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Kado village, Karu, and Kpaduma.

Despite the extensive demolitions, a recent follow-up visit to Kado revealed that some of the displaced populations were making their way back. They had begun to reconstruct their lives amidst the rubble, setting up football viewing centers and bars, signaling intentions of permanent resettlement despite the government's clear opposition.

The re-emergence of these community elements underscores the complex challenge faced by urban planners and government officials in enforcing development policies while addressing the socio-economic realities of affected populations. Our reporter noted a mixture of compliance and resistance among the residents; some had left following the initial demolition, while others stayed behind, slowly rebuilding in defiance of the eviction orders. This ongoing cycle highlights the intricate balance between development objectives and the resilience of marginalized communities.