Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced that he will meet with Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, over the demolition of illegal duplexes that were purportedly owned by the Nigeria Police Force and constructed beneath a high-tension power line in Apo Dutse District, Abuja.
Wike revealed this during an on-site evaluation of the demolished buildings on Friday. He claimed that the buildings were constructed in spite of many warnings and the FCT Department of Development Control’s refusal of development approval.
Join our WhatsApp community
Recall that on Thursday, employees of the FCT Department of Development Control destroyed eleven residences, including three and four-bedroom units, in the nation’s capital’s Apo Dutse neighbourhood. As a result, the police arrested the department’s employees.
Wike said: “Well, it’s unfortunate. Yesterday, I got a call from Development Control that they had to come here to stop some buildings from going on. You can see the high-tension line, and that is dangerous.
“The land was given to the Nigerian Police, and they applied for approval, but Development Control refused because of the high-tension risk.
“They refused to stop, and Development Control had to act. Unfortunately, our officers were arrested by the Nigerian Police, and that’s why I have to take this matter up with the IGP. I’m sure he may not be aware, but we cannot allow this.
Join our WhatsApp community
“The government cannot allow anyone to break the rules. Look at the high-tension line. How would anybody take such a risk? Even if there was no high-tension line, once you are denied approval, you cannot go ahead as if you are above the law.”
