It was learnt that the scavengers had established football viewing centres and bars, suggesting they were not planning to stay temporarily.
Dwellers have begun to return to the Kado community at the Bannex Highway near the BUA estate in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, following the demolition of shanties in the area.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had ordered the demolition of shanties along the road corridor cutting across Mabushi, Jahi and Kado districts.
Mr Wike gave the order in Abuja in October 2023 when he visited the area officially known as ‘Road N12’ in Mabushi District of the FCT.
He described the colony, located behind the Minister’s Quarters in Mabushi District as a “threat” to the security of the capital city.
The area had been taken over by people described as scavengers popularly known as ‘Baban Bola’, including mechanics and others.
The minister, who was accompanied by a combined team of security personnel and senior officials of the FCT Administration, added that efforts would be increased to rid the city of criminal elements.
He said that the colony was also encouraged by a thick canopy of cashew trees planted by the indigenous people of the FCT for speculative purposes.
The minister warned against planting such trees in areas that the government had mapped out for development.
He said the government would not pay compensation for the trees.
“You should not compensate them. This is a hideout of criminals, and the communities should stop planting trees in the area,” Wike had said.
Wike had approved the demolition of over 30 slums which had earlier been surveyed by the Federal Capital Development Authority before this administration, which would affect about 6,000 buildings.
This was part of efforts to rid the capital city of shanties and illegal structures.
Wike had also vowed to ensure strict adherence to the master plan of the FCT, lamenting distortions with illegal structures in Abuja.
The areas marked for demolition included Apo Mechanic Village, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Kado village, Karu and Kpaduma.
However, a recent visit to the colony in Kado community showed that the alleged scavengers had started rebuilding and returning to the area despite Wike’s order.
It was learnt that the scavengers had established football viewing centres and bars, suggesting they were not planning to stay temporarily.
Our reporter who visited the area said, “They asked them to vacate the place and it was demolished. Many of them have left while some remained there after Wike’s task force demolished the place.”