Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to meet with Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following the demolition of structures allegedly owned by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at Apo Dutse District, Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that the duplexes, built directly under a high-tension power line, were described by authorities as illegal constructions that had repeatedly been denied development approval.
According to a statement released by the minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike made the disclosure on Friday during an on-site inspection of the demolished area.
Earlier, officials from FCT Department of Development Control had demolished about eleven residential buildings comprising three- and four-bedroom flats, a move that reportedly led to the arrest of some of the department’s personnel by the police.
Reacting to the situation, 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.”
“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.”
