Residents of Katampe Extension in Abuja are urgently calling for help as illegal land grabbers, using high-powered explosives, have disrupted their community, increasing risks of kidnapping and earth tremors. They have appealed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to restore order and halt the exploitative activities.
The community, located on Abuja’s eastern fringe and bordered by Katampe Hills, has suffered from blocked waterways and misappropriated drainage channels, which residents say could destabilize the nearby Lower Usuma Dam. Wole Atolagbe, Public Relations Officer for the Katampe Extension Residents Association (KERA), explained that land speculators are blasting rocks to create unauthorized access between Katampe Extension and neighboring districts.
These operations, he warned, not only harm the environment but compromise the community’s safety, with criminals exploiting the newly accessible routes.
KERA Vice President Dr. Austin Maho added that the frequent explosions, which shake residents’ homes, are likely causing the recent earth tremors. “We’re increasingly concerned about our homes’ structural integrity,” Maho stated, noting that a previous FCT administration had successfully halted similar activities.
Muhammed Gimba, KERA President, urged government intervention to prevent further damage to their community. “We are appealing to Minister Wike and the National Assembly to investigate these unlawful developments. Immediate action is needed to protect Katampe Extension,” he stated.
