Wike orders demolition of beer parlours operating in Asokoro

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday, October 9, ordered the demolition of what he described as “unauthorised” pubs, popularly known as beer parlours, in the Asokoro area of the territory.

Asokoro area of Abuja hosts more than 18 embassies and consulates as well as other foreign missions and high-end residences of highly influential persons in the country.

The minister directed security agencies and the Department of Development Control of the FCTA  to immediately dismantle the beer parlours, saying the decision followed security intelligence concerning the operations of the relaxation points.

Wike gave the order after a high-level security meeting with the FCT Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

Speaking on the security implications of the operations, the minister said the FCT administration would take proactive measures to nip potential criminal activities in the bud before they escalate.

“We have been told of some security threats originating from somewhere leading towards Asokoro, where some individuals are attempting to establish unauthorised beer parlour businesses.

“We will not allow that. There is no such approval, and we will not permit it,” he said.

To enforce the decision, Wike mandated the FCT Department of Development Control, alongside security agencies, to initiate an immediate clearance in the affected areas.

“We have directed Development Control, in conjunction with security agencies, to go and chase them away before we begin to have security problems. We will not allow that at all,” he said.

Wike added that publicising the decision was necessary to inform residents of the administration’s firm stance on maintaining law and order across the nation’s capital.