FCT Community operating under the umbrella of Karu Gbagi Development Association (KAGBADA) has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration to relocate the Karu abattoir, citing growing concerns over criminal activities, illicit drug abuse and environmental pollution affecting the community and neighbouring areas.
According to the association, the abattoir has become a safe haven for drug peddlers and other criminal elements who terrorise residents.
It noted that despite efforts by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb the activities of drug dealers in the area, the problem has persisted, prompting renewed calls for the facility to be moved away from residential neighbourhoods.
In addition to the abattoir issue, the community appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to revive the long-abandoned Karu General Hospital, constructed in 2006 during the administration of Nasir El-Rufai.
Residents lamented that the hospital has remained non-functional, forcing them to travel long distances to Asokoro, Maitama or Wuse to access secondary healthcare services.
The community made these demands during an event at which it honoured Wike as FCT Infrastructure Minister of the Year in recognition of his contributions to infrastructure development across the territory.
Speaking at the ceremony—which also featured the award of scholarships to selected secondary and tertiary students, as well as the empowerment of small businesses and artisans—Wike assured the community that their concerns would receive due attention.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, the minister called on residents to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to enjoy greater dividends of democracy.
He reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains committed to the development of the FCT and its satellite communities.
Also speaking at the event, former Senator representing the FCT in the 9th Senate, Philip Aduda, commended Wike for extending development initiatives to Karu and other communities. He, however, urged the minister to do even more.
“Like Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more. You have done well for us, but more still needs to be done. We will continue to bring our demands, and we are confident that you will oblige us, as you always have,” Aduda said.
Earlier, President of KAGBADA and ARISE News anchor, Sumner Shagari Sambo, explained that the association organised the scholarship and empowerment programme as part of its commitment to giving back to society.
He noted that many residents lack the financial means to support their education and livelihoods.
“We designed three programmes: scholarships, small-scale support for businesses and artisans, and food distribution to widows and the elderly,” Sambo said.
He added that the forum was also used to sensitise residents on the importance of protecting government-funded projects in the area, including the Kugbo Bus Terminal, Kugbo International Market and the ongoing reconstruction of access roads within Karu.
On the community’s key demands, Sambo stressed the urgent need for the resuscitation of Karu General Hospital, describing it as a critical healthcare facility that should serve the growing population of Karu and its environs.
He expressed concern that the hospital was handed over to a private operator under a Public–Private Partnership arrangement that failed to deliver results, urging the government to take over and restore the facility.
Addressing the abattoir issue, Sambo described its current location in the heart of the community as unacceptable.
He said the slaughter of cattle often results in blood flowing into nearby streams, contaminating water sources used by several communities.
“The situation is unhygienic and dangerous to public health,” he said.
“Beyond that, the abattoir has degenerated into a hub for drug abuse and criminal activities, particularly among youths. Even the NDLEA is aware of this challenge,” he added.
He recalled that a former FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, had previously warned the community about the dangers of the abattoir being turned into a drug market.
According to Sambo, the association responded by insisting that relocation of the facility remains the only viable solution to dismantle the criminal networks operating there.
The community also proposed that the existing abattoir site be converted into a school or a sporting facility to engage youths positively and reduce crime in the area.
“That is our appeal,” Sambo concluded.
Linus Aleke, Abuja
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