As the threat of demolition hangs ominously over the homes they built over the years, a significant number of residents living in Trademore Estate, located in the Lugbe axis of Abuja, have taken the initiative to submit a petition to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Olusade Adesola.
In the petition, the desperate home owners made clear their concerns and opposition to the proposed demolition of over 60 residential houses within the estate.
The residents petition, which was endorsed by legal luminary, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), refuted the assertion that the estate lacks development plan approval.
Ozekhome, stressed that the estate was established back in 2007 and has experienced no flooding incidents until recently.
In a plea addressed to the Permanent Secretary, the legal icon urged the authorites to carefully consider the distress faced by the innocent residents of Trademore Estate.
He also called for prompt intervention in order to safeguard lives and properties by immediately halting any further demolition of residents’ homes.
It will be recalled that the residents took the decision to close the estate gates on Monday, staging a protest against the proposed demolition of structures by officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Meanwhile, this turn of events follows the recent declaration of the estate as a disaster zone, triggered by flash floods that engulfed houses and vehicles within the vicinity approximately one week ago. Sadly, this has become an annual occurrence during the peak of the rainy season.
Given the urgency of the situation and the need to prevent further damage to lives and properties, the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA had moved to classify the Trademore area as a disaster zone, highlighting the need for immediate action required to mitigate losses.
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Following the declaration of Trademore Estate as a disaster zone, the residents’ concerns have intensified regarding the planned demolition of their homes.
The Explainer gathered that Trademore Estate was approved way back in 2007. Residents are vehemently arguing that the estate has operated within the confines of approved guidelines and regulations.
They further insisted that until recently, the estate was not affected by flooding, with no recorded cases of such incidents.
The sudden emergence of flooding, residents insisted raise questions and concerns among the residents, who are seeking answers and viable solutions to mitigate future risks.
With the uncertainty of their situation, many residents of Trademore Estate have been having sleepless nights. Their homes, once a place of solace and security, now face the imminent threat of demolition.
The demolition plans not only endanger their shelter but also disrupt the tranquility and stability they once enjoyed. Worse still is the plight of many families, who invested their time, money, and emotions into building their lives within this community, now face uncertainty and fear.
Their pleas for intervention stem from a genuine desire to protect their loved ones and preserve the sanctity of their homes. Whether their pleas would receive the required would only be determined in due course.
