Group Condemns FCT Minister Wike Over Demolition of Teaching Hospital

The Centre for Human Rights and Advocacy in Africa Network has strongly condemned the demolition of the Margaret Lawrence University Teaching Hospital in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The hospital, located within River Park Estate and described by the group as a world-class facility, was pulled down on Saturday by a task force under the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

In a statement co-signed by Executive Director Henry Abba and Director of Programmes Michael Ikwebe, the group described the demolition as highhanded, insensitive, and unacceptable. It said no explanation was given by the FCTA before carrying out the exercise, adding that the action had caused fear and confusion within the estate.

The organisation noted that the hospital project had already been commissioned and was under active development for more than a year, questioning why it would be classified as “undeveloped land.” According to the statement, the demolition took an entire day, and residents were left without answers as to the government’s intention.

The rights group alleged that the move formed part of a wider policy to seize land within River Park Estate under the guise of urban development. It claimed that the teaching hospital was demolished just days after 35 other structures were brought down in the area.

Describing the incident as “a demolition done in bad faith,” the group said the timing of the action was particularly troubling. It called on Wike to rein in the ministerial task force, insisting that the committee was exceeding its mandate and going beyond what was approved in official reports.