Residents of Kpaduma community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rejected claims by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike that they have been compensated and relocated by previous administrations. The community has called on the minister to integrate them into the Abuja master plan as a form of compensation for their longstanding struggles.
During a press conference held in Kpaduma on Monday, the community’s spokesperson, Bala Iyah, urged the minister to disregard assertions that they had already received compensation. Instead, they appealed for their inclusion in the city’s development plans, emphasizing their desire to remain on their ancestral land rather than face relocation.
The natives expressed their concerns over the potential displacement from their heritage site, stressing the importance of preserving their cultural and historical ties to the land. They highlighted the hardships they have endured over the years and called for a more inclusive approach to urban planning that respects their rights and traditions.
The community’s plea comes amid ongoing discussions about the FCT’s development and the need to balance modernization with the rights of indigenous populations. The Kpaduma residents are hopeful that Minister Wike will consider their request and work toward a solution that ensures their integration into the Abuja master plan without displacing them from their ancestral home.
The situation underscores the broader challenges of urban development in Nigeria, where the interests of indigenous communities often clash with government plans for expansion and modernization. Stakeholders are closely watching how the FCT administration will address these concerns moving forward.
