The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished illegal structures and shanties, popularly known as “Cashew Garden,” in Apo Cadastral Zone E27, Abuja, as part of its ongoing city sanitation operation.
Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who led the operation on Tuesday, said the exercise was aimed at ridding the city of criminal elements and miscreants.
“You recall that we were at Zone 3, Wuse and UTC for similar exercises since the commencement of the operation as directed by the FCT Security Committee. Today we are in Apo, dislodging shanties and miscreants, posing security threats to residents of the area,” he said.
Chairman of the garden, Mr Steven Obiozo, said about 200 occupants were not criminals, explaining that the landowner had permitted them to occupy the area.
Obiozo said the residents built small tents and shops, mostly selling provisions, food, beer and soft drinks.
Galadima, however, maintained that their occupation was illegal, as it lacked government authorisation, warning that the FCTA would revoke land allocations from those harbouring miscreants.
“The area was designated for residential purposes, and allottees failed to develop their plots within the stipulated time. As directed by the FCT Security Committee, we are going to take over the area; we are going to possess it,” he said.
He added that the site had a clearly defined road corridor, part of the S20 extension of Oladipo Diya Road, running through FHA Apo to Guzape 2.
“We have concluded, based on what we have seen, that all those who own plots here and allow illegal structures will lose their allocations, which will be reverted to the FCT Administration,” Galadima added.
The director said the operation would extend to all parts of the FCT.
Director of the Security Services Department, FCTA, Mr Adamu Gwary, said the exercise was making the territory unsafe for criminal elements.
Gwary, represented by the Secretary of Command and Control, Dr Peter Olumuji, said some of the suspects dealt in illicit drugs.
“One thing we want criminal elements to know is that FCT is not a place they can urbanate again. Wherever you go, we are going to pursue you and smoke you out,” Gwary said.
PIAK