By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Residents of KYC Estate in Guzape District, Abuja, have petitioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged continued rock blasting in the area and the reported filling of a drainage channel behind their properties.
The residents said the activities had caused damage to some buildings and could worsen the risk of flooding if the drainage channel was obstructed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, representatives of the residents, Adango Jumbo and Prince Joseph Kpokpogri, alleged that the blasting had continued despite a legal notice issued more than a month earlier and despite what they described as visible damage to properties within the estate.
Kpokpogri, whose property at Plot 1785, Cadastral Zone A09, Guzape District, was reportedly affected, said the building had sustained damage allegedly linked to blasting activities in the vicinity.
He listed the reported damage as 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, which he said had affected the comfort and wellbeing of occupants.
The residents said their lawyers, Ajunwa & Co., Solicitors & Advocates, wrote to the Chairman of KYC Estate on August 12, 2026, demanding an immediate halt to the blasting activities.
The legal notice, according to the residents, cited provisions of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act, 1997, and was accompanied by photographs purportedly showing the damage.
They also said the letter demanded N100 million in compensation for the alleged property damage and the physical and psychological distress reportedly suffered by occupants.
The residents further claimed that following the legal notice, the chairman of KYC Estate deployed personnel to the affected property to undertake repairs, including the replacement of the damaged ceiling.
They interpreted the repairs as an acknowledgment of the damage, but expressed concern that the alleged blasting had continued.
“The continuation raises serious concerns about accountability and the willingness of those responsible to engage constructively in resolving this matter,” the residents said.
Dispute Over Drainage Channel
The residents also raised concerns over what they described as the filling of a drainage canal located directly behind their property.
They linked the activity to Deansgate Trio Services Nigeria Limited, which they said holds an Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy over Plot 1803, Cadastral Zone A09, Guzape, dated October 29, 2024.
The residents argued that filling the channel could obstruct the natural flow of stormwater and increase the possibility of flooding within the neighbourhood.
They also referenced previous statements and enforcement actions by the FCT Administration concerning alleged encroachment on drainage channels, waterways and designated green areas.
The residents therefore appealed to the relevant FCT authorities to investigate the development and determine whether the ongoing activities complied with applicable planning and environmental regulations.
They said they would continue to pursue available legal avenues to protect their properties and the safety of residents.
Developer Rejects Allegations
However, the developer named in the allegations, Mr Michael Auta Ayuba, disputed the residents’ account.
Ayuba said blasting activities at the location commenced in 2019, before Kpokpogri and some of the other residents moved into the area.
He claimed that he had advised the newer property owners to suspend construction until the blasting operation was completed, but that the advice was not followed.
The developer also rejected suggestions that the blasting was being conducted illegally, maintaining that he had obtained the necessary approvals.
According to Ayuba, the operation was “controlled blasting” and was carried out under the supervision of relevant authorities, including security personnel.
On the allegation of encroachment on a waterway, Ayuba said he had a valid allocation from the FCT Administration.
He further maintained that the channel of the stream in the area had been properly mapped, describing the location as a large expanse of land separated by a stream rather than a canal.
The dispute now centres on the legality and environmental implications of the ongoing activities, as well as responsibility for the alleged property damage and the status of the drainage channel.
The residents have called for regulatory intervention, while the developer maintains that his activities are duly authorised.
