Confusion, Kicks As FCT Officials Demolish Chief’s Palace In Abuja

Residents of Jabi Masalachi in the Jabi District of Abuja found themselves in a state of confusion when the FCT Task Force on City Sanitation demolished the chief’s palace during an operation targeting illegal structures.

According to Ayuba Kefas, a resident, the demolition of the palace raised concerns among the indigenous people of the community. They were left without a gathering place for meetings that required the chief’s attention. Kefas expressed worry, stating, “This is the first time this kind of thing is happening, especially demolishing the palace of a chief in any settlement in the FCT.”

The situation was particularly distressing for the residents who have been kicking against the action. Many of them were low-income earners. Efforts to speak with the chief were unsuccessful as he was reportedly too old and in a state of shock.

The task force, comprised of officials from the FCT Development Control Department, DRTS, police, NSCDC, and AEPB, has been demolishing illegal structures, some of which authorities claim are being used by criminal elements.