Wike Condemns FCT Residents Over Alleged Land Grabbing, Video Goes Viral

A video of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), harshly criticizing some Abuja residents has gone viral. The minister accused the residents, particularly from the Lugbe area, of illegally seizing land and falsely claiming ownership of property belonging to the FCT.

During his visit to the area on Tuesday, October 22, Wike expressed his outrage after learning that residents had attempted to stop the demolition of their properties. In the video, the former Rivers governor lashed out, calling the situation lawless and accusing the residents of defying the law by asserting ownership.

The minister was particularly agitated when residents insisted, they had documentation proving legal ownership and had submitted their papers to the authorities. Wike, visibly furious, dismissed their claims and commanded them to “shut up,” calling them “stupid.” He questioned their speaking authority, saying, “Who told you you could talk? Is it because I came down to address you?”

Wike emphasized that all land within the FCT belongs to the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the Supreme Court has ruled that local area councils do not have the power to allocate land. He further clarified that the residents’ only legal recourse is to take the matter to court, making it clear that no settlement would be made for those who have taken the law into their own hands.

Meanwhile, Wike also recounted how he revoked a land allocation given to Julius Berger in the Katampe District. After a meeting with the construction company’s managing director, Wike decided the land would instead be used to build 40 Judges’ Quarters in the capital.

This confrontation has sparked widespread reactions, with many debating the minister’s strong stance on land ownership in the FCT.