FCT news

Sex Workers, Shop Owners Others In Tears As FCTA Demolish Illegal Settlement In Abuja

Published

6 years ago

September 10, 2020

Joel Ajayi

It was a gale of tears for the residents of Jabi Community in the federal capital territory FCT while gunshots rented the air on Thursday as FCTA made true its earlier threat to demolish illegal structures at Down Jabi community in the heart of Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The FCTA had issued several warnings and demolition notices to shop owners and some residents of the illegal settlement to remove their belongings as the Administration intended to clear the area which is not only distorting the Abuja Master plan but also serving as a save haven for criminals while indigenes would be resettled.

These warnings were, however, said not to have been taken seriously by those operating businesses and living there even after their shops and houses were marked by the authorities about eight times.

But when bulldozers belonging to the FCTA Department of Development Control arrived and started pulling down the structures, the entire area was turned to tears and yelling’s by the owners who lamented that their means of livelihood destroyed while attempts to resist the exercise was quelled by security operatives who fired gunshots in the air to scare them.

Apart from shop and house owners, commercial sex workers also joined in the lamentations as no fewer than four brothels were equally demolished during the exercise.

Some of those whose properties were affected told journalists that they were not given enough notice before the demolition, describing it as the height of insensitivity on the part of the government.

A man who simply identified himself as Joseph Ola said: “We are all Nigerians what they are doing is not good. They don’t give us notice, they demolished our houses, and I don’t know why our political leaders are not here.”

A food seller who refused to mention her name said: “They told us that they will come but nobody believed, it was Wednesday they supposed to come but we did not see them, even yesterday I cooked very well, but today I don’t cook well”.

Addressing journalists, Director of Development Control in the FCTA, Mucktar Galadinma said the Administration had carried out adequate sensitization meetings with the villagers and marked the structures a long time before the exercise.

“My advice is that they should not build any commercial structure along this corridor because this is supposed to be an indigenous community but the proliferation of these commercial activities is attracting men of the underworld and even making the environment dirty,” he noted.

Also speaking, FCTA Director of Security, Adamu Gwary said the proliferation of shanties in the community made it a safe haven for criminals and the FCT Administration will definitely not condone that, hence the demolition.

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FCT news

Alhaji Solademi Unveiled as PCRC FCT Patron for Safe School Initiative

Published

1 month ago

August 29, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

High Chief Alhaji Abdulmajid Solademi has been formally unveiled and inducted as the Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) FCT Safe School initiative.

The unveiling took place during the official launch of the PCRC Safe School programme on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the FCT Police Command, Old CBN Road, Garki, Abuja.

Solademi, who is also the Chairman of Air Warriors Basketball Club of Abuja and Chairman/CEO of Yajifarz Cargo, was honoured in recognition of his commitment to community development, youth empowerment and support for initiatives aimed at promoting a safer society.

The ceremony was led by the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, alongside the PCRC FCT Command Chairman, Chief Rufus Ebegba, and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Prof. Sanusi Mohammed.

The launch of the Safe School initiative is aimed at strengthening security within educational institutions and promoting closer collaboration among the police, schools, parents, communities and other stakeholders in protecting students, teachers and learning facilities.

Speaking after his unveiling, Solademi expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of the PCRC and the FCT Police Command for finding him worthy of the appointment.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition and the confidence reposed in me to serve as the PCRC FCT Safe School Patron,” he said.

“Education remains the foundation of every progressive society, and our children deserve to learn in an environment where they feel safe, protected and free to pursue their dreams.

“I accept this responsibility with a strong sense of duty and commitment. I will work closely with the PCRC, the Nigeria Police Force, educational institutions, parents and relevant stakeholders to support every genuine effort aimed at ensuring the safety and security of our schools.

“As someone who has remained passionate about youth development through sports and other empowerment initiatives, I understand the importance of creating opportunities and safe spaces for young people to grow and realise their full potential.

“This appointment is not just an honour; it is a call to service. I pledge to use my experience, network and resources to support the Safe School initiative and contribute meaningfully to the protection of our children and the future of our nation.”

Solademi also commended the PCRC for its continued commitment to fostering cooperation between the police and members of the public.

The PCRC Safe School initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader commitment to service to the nation and humanity, with a focus on strengthening community participation in security and supporting efforts to create safer learning environments across the Federal Capital Territory.

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