Residents of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Estate in Karu Phase One, Abuja, are raising concerns over growing insecurity fueled by the unchecked activities of commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators.
In a petition submitted to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Nyanya, the Royal Palm Community Committee accused the operators of converting the estate’s entrance into an illegal base of operations.
The committee lamented the presence of shanties, roadside stalls, and indiscriminate parking, which they say have taken over access roads, disrupted movement, and threatened community peace.
“We are living in fear,” the petition stated. “They have taken over our roads and even encroached on a school premises. Residents are harassed and silenced. This must stop.”
Signed by the committee’s Security Chairman, Yahaya Abubakar, and Secretary, Chinedu Abah, the petition also recounted a violent attack on a resident between May 14 and 15, which resulted in hospitalization.
One anonymous resident described how formerly peaceful streets like Lantana Crescent have become dangerous at night.
“They appear overnight, set up shelters, block roads, and make life unbearable. It’s like we no longer own our own estate,” he said.
The residents are calling on the police and the FCT Administration to take urgent steps to restore order.
Their demands: remove the illegal occupants, dismantle the shanties, enforce regulations, and restore safety to the estate.
