Residents of Casablanca,
Gishiri are living in fears that they will soon be thrown out of their dwelling place.
Gishiri is an unplanned settlement on the fringe of the exquisite Maitama district of Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has served the residents of the settlement evacuation notice ahead of planned demolition of unwanted structures in the place
having won a legal battle against the residents.
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The evacuation letter which was served the community in October 2020 directed the residents move out with their belongings in three weeks.
Speaking with NatureNews today, a landlord in the village who would not want his name here stated that it will be difficult to relocate to another place when there is no money and no compensation from the government.
He said, “We cannot just leave a place we spent years to build within three weeks.
“I built my houses to train my children and feed my family.
“We are still hoping, praying and waiting for government to consider and leave us alone.”
Two residents lamented that they now live in fears as the bulldozers may arrive any time.
“Demolition can come now or in the next years. We never can tell.
“The case has been in court hoping we could find Justice,” one of them expressed.
Similarly, another resident identified as Madam Elizabeth confirmed that
some people are leaving the place.”
She added, “Our businesses are moving here.
“Looking for shelter where there’s none is a terrible experience.
“We will still be here till demolition comes.”