Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that part of the land at Jabi Lake Park in Abuja was taken over by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid ongoing discussions surrounding the ownership and use of the recreational facility.…....
In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Sowore recalled concerns over the allocation of land within the park area and claimed that a portion of the land initially allocated to private individuals was later ceded to the FCT minister.
“There are 14 hectares of Jabi Lake Park here that were reportedly allocated to them. But Wike, being who he is, forced them to give him three hectares out of the 14. Three hectares now belong to him. The 14 hectares were returned to the people who claim to be the original owners of the park, but what we are saying is that the park now serves the public.”
He maintained that Jabi Lake Park has gradually evolved into a public recreational space widely used by residents and visitors in Abuja and argued that any decisions concerning the land should reflect public interest and access rather than private ownership disputes.
According to Sowore, preserving the park for public use remains important because of its environmental and social value to residents of the Federal Capital Territory, adding that open spaces such as Jabi Lake Park contribute significantly to leisure, tourism, and community activities in the city.
