Residents of KYC Estate in Guzape District, Abuja, have petitioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged continuous rock blasting and the planned filling of a drainage channel near their properties.
The residents said the activities had caused extensive damage to buildings within the estate and could increase the risk of flooding in the area.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, representatives of the residents, Adango Jumbo and Prince Joseph Kpokpogri, said the blasting had continued despite a formal legal notice issued more than a month ago.
Kpokpogri, whose property at Plot 1785, Cadastral Zone A09, Guzape District, was said to have been particularly affected, alleged that the blasting had caused significant structural damage to the building.
He listed the damage as including a collapsed POP ceiling, shattered glass panels, cracked walls, and damaged windows and doors.
According to him, the blasting had also resulted in persistent noise and dust pollution, which he said had disrupted the peaceful enjoyment of the property and affected the wellbeing of occupants.
The residents’ legal counsel, Ajunwa & Co., Solicitors & Advocates, had on 12 August 2026 written to the Chairman of KYC Estate demanding that the blasting activity be stopped within two days of receipt of the letter.
The letter, which cited alleged violations of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act 1997, also demanded N100 million in compensation for the alleged damage and physical and psychological distress suffered by the occupants.
The residents said the estate chairman subsequently sent personnel to the affected property to carry out repairs, including fixing the damaged ceiling.
They described the repairs as an acknowledgment of the damage allegedly caused by the blasting, but expressed concern that the blasting itself had continued.
They said the continued activity raised questions about accountability and efforts to resolve the dispute.
The residents also raised concerns over the filling of a drainage channel directly behind their property, which they linked to Deansgate Trio Services Nigeria Limited, the holder of an Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy over Plot 1803, Cadastral Zone A09, Guzape, dated 29 October 2024.
They argued that filling the drainage channel could obstruct the natural flow of stormwater and increase the risk of flooding in the area.
The residents also referred to Wike’s previous opposition to developments they said encroached on canals, drainage channels and designated green areas within the FCT.
They recalled that the minister had previously ordered the demolition of an estate in Guzape over an alleged violation involving a green area.
The residents called on Deansgate Trio Services Nigeria Limited and relevant regulatory authorities to urgently investigate the matter.
They said they would continue to seek redress over the alleged damage and pursue available legal remedies if necessary.
Developer Rejects Allegations
The developer at the centre of the allegations, Michael Auta Ayuba, dismissed the residents’ claims.
Ayuba said he had been operating in the area before the affected residents arrived, adding that the blasting began in 2019.
He said he had warned newer residents to suspend construction work until his blasting activities were completed, but alleged that they ignored his advice.
Ayuba also maintained that his operations were lawful, saying he had obtained the necessary approvals for what he described as controlled blasting.
According to him, the exercise was routinely supervised by relevant agencies, including security personnel.
On the allegation that the development encroached on a waterway, Ayuba said he had a valid allocation from the FCT Administration.
He added that the stream in the area had been properly mapped and described the location as a large expanse of land separated by a stream rather than a canal.
The dispute is expected to attract further attention from relevant FCT regulatory authorities as residents continue to raise concerns over the alleged structural damage and potential flooding risks.
