The Adamawa state government has commenced the demolition of approximately 110 houses along Numan Road in the Dundere area of Jambutu community, Yola North Local Government Area, as part of a stadium expansion project. The structures are situated on land designated for the development of an ultramodern stadium.
Governor Orders Demolition, No Compensation
Governor Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri directed the State Urban and Regional Development Board to carry out the demolition exercise for the planned project. The government maintains that the affected residents occupied the land illegally and conducted transactions without official approval.
Speaking at the demolition site on Tuesday, June 16, Fintiri stated that no compensation would be paid to the occupants. He emphasized that those who built on government property without authorization should be held responsible. "No one is allowed to tamper with government property illegally. They carried out transactions without any government approval. Therefore, there will be no compensation for anyone over the demolition. The people should be the one to compensate the government for using its property for their personal advantage," the governor said.
He added that the land was acquired for public use and would be developed for the benefit of all residents. "I will direct the Attorney-General of the state to seek legal action against anyone who attempts to disrupt the demolition exercise. The land belongs to government and will be used for the benefit of the entire public, not specific individuals," Fintiri added.
Residents Plead for Mercy
Affected residents have appealed to the state government to reconsider the decision, stating that the demolition would leave many families homeless. The youth leader of the community, Elam Edward Balanso, said residents were not protesting but pleading for compassion. "We are not here to protest against the government. We are pleading with the governor to have mercy on us. Most of us do not have anywhere else to go, and we have families depending on these houses," Balanso said.
He highlighted that the current economic situation makes it difficult for residents to secure alternative accommodation. "Where do we start from if our houses are demolished? We are deeply hurt and disheartened," he added.
Another resident, Patience Edam, also appealed to the government, noting that the affected houses were the only homes for many families. "If this demolition takes place, we are finished. This is the only house we have. Where will we go if it is destroyed? I am pleading with the government to take pity on us," she said.
Official Defends Demolition, Cites Notice
The Director of Town Planning at the State Urban and Regional Development Board, John Zuntuwa, defended the demolition plan. He stated that residents had been notified about the government’s plans for about one year and that notices had been issued prior to the exercise. He explained that the affected buildings had been marked and that the government had secured approval to proceed.
According to him, about 110 houses would be affected, with security personnel deployed to maintain order. "We have marked the houses that will be demolished and have already given them court orders from the government for the go-ahead of the demolition exercise. About 110 houses will be demolished, with immediate effect from the government. The governor has ordered us to commence the exercise tomorrow (June 17). He has ordered tight security to safeguard the premises in case of any reaction from the community members," Zuntuwa said.
He also mentioned that some residents had presented court documents challenging the action but insisted that the Board was acting based on the authority of the state government. He urged residents to remain calm and evacuate the area, stating that the project was intended for public development.
The planned demolition has sparked a dispute between the government’s push for infrastructure development and residents’ concerns over losing their homes.
