Residents of Angwan Tiv in Kagini say they are not contesting government ownership, but are pleading for humane notice to relocate as demolition notices resurface
By Hassan HUSSAIN
Residents of Angwan Tiv in Kagini, near the Railway community in the Federal Capital Territory, have appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to grant them adequate time to relocate ahead of a proposed demolition in the area.
The Spokesman of Angwan Tiv, Apostle Dr. Favour Ekpoba, made the appeal while speaking with journalists during a peaceful protest in the community.
According to him, the land occupied by some residents has been identified as part of an estate development. Officials, he said, had carried out boundary markings on several occasions before demolishing some structures.
Apostle Ekpoba explained that after the initial demolition, officials returned at different times to re-mark the area. The latest exercise was conducted on June 26, after which residents were reportedly informed that demolition would commence the following week.
He said the development has created fear and uncertainty among residents, forcing many families to begin moving their belongings while others remain unsure of their fate.
The community spokesman noted that the timing is particularly challenging, as many children are sitting for promotional examinations while families face the prospect of displacement.
“We are not contesting government ownership of the land, we are only asking for humane consideration and enough time to relocate.”
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructural development across the Federal Capital Territory under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Apostle Ekpoba commended the minister’s efforts in expanding road networks and other projects.
He, however, appealed to the minister, the Chairman of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and officials of the Satellite Towns Development Department to intervene by granting affected residents sufficient time to prepare for relocation if the demolition exercise has legal approval.
Apostle Ekpoba stressed that the residents are not contesting government ownership of the land, but are only requesting humane consideration to enable families to make alternative arrangements before any further demolition.
He also urged the authorities to verify the legality of the latest boundary markings and ensure that residents are treated fairly, in line with the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ welfare.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not responded to the concerns raised by the community.
Also speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Emmanuel Ifeanyi Amadi said the situation has created anxiety among residents, with many unable to go about their daily activities or sleep peacefully due to uncertainty over their future.
Mr. Amadi appealed to the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the issues surrounding the land before taking any action.
He acknowledged that the community is aware of the complexities surrounding the ownership of the land, noting that residents acquired their plots through local arrangements and are not disputing the authority of government.
The community representative, however, appealed for adequate notice and a well-coordinated relocation plan should the government eventually decide that the residents must vacate the area.
Mr. Amadi also questioned reports that the proposed development is linked to a Federal Government road project, arguing that if it is indeed a public infrastructure project, due process and proper engagement with affected residents should be followed.
He urged the authorities to clarify the situation and reassure residents, saying they are law-abiding citizens who desire a peaceful resolution.
According to him, many residents have invested their life savings in building modest homes and have lived in the community for several years.
Mr. Amadi further appealed to the government to engage directly with the community, investigate allegations surrounding the planned development, and ensure that any action taken is transparent, humane, and in accordance with the law.
He maintained that the people of Angwan Tiv remain peaceful and are willing to cooperate with the authorities, provided they are properly informed and treated fairly throughout the process.
In her remarks, Mrs. Covenant Ifechukwu expressed worry over the development, saying many families are unprepared for the exercise and are uncertain about where they would relocate if the demolition proceeds.
She explained that several children in the community are currently in school, while many residents lack the financial means to secure alternative accommodation at short notice.
According to her, some affected families had only recently moved into their homes, with some occupying the houses for just two or three months before receiving notice of the planned demolition.
Mrs. Ifechukwu appealed to the FCT Minister to visit the community and witness the situation firsthand, urging the authorities to show compassion by giving residents enough time to make alternative arrangements.
She said the intervention would help reduce the hardship facing affected families and prevent further disruption to their livelihoods and their children’s Education.
