The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished illegal structures and shanties, popularly known as “Cashew Garden,” located in Apo Cadastral Zone E27, Abuja.
The Director of Development Control, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, who led the City Sanitation Operation on Tuesday, said the move was part of efforts to rid 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,” Galadima said.
He explained that the area was designated for residential purposes but had been illegally occupied by about 200 people without government authorization.
According to him, some plot allottees failed to develop their land within the stipulated time and instead allowed illegal occupants.
Galadima warned that the FCTA would revoke the allocations of such lands for harboring miscreants, who go about the city committing crimes.
“So as has been directed by the FCT Security Committee, we are going to take over the area; we are going to possess it,” he said.
The director added that the area had a clearly defined road corridor demarcated by a deep trench.
“The road is what we call the S20, extension of Oladipo Diya that goes through FHA Apo, up to Guzape 2. So the road is clearly defined and the plots are also defined.
“So we have concluded, based on what we have seen, that all those people that own plots here and allow these people to erect illegal structures will lose the allocations and be reverted to the FCT Administration,” he said.
The Chairman of the garden, Mr Steven Obiozo, said the about 200 occupants were not criminals, adding that the area was given to them to occupy by the owner of the plot.
He explained that the occupants built small tents and shops and were mainly selling provisions, food, beer and soft drinks.
But Galadima , insisted that their occupation of the area and operations was without government authorization and as such, illegal.
The director explained that the operation would be extended to all nukes and crannies of the FCT.
Also speaking, Mr. Adamu Gwary, Director of the Security Services Department, FCTA, noted that the operation was making the territory increasingly uncomfortable for individuals with criminal tendencies.
Represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Dr. Peter Olumuji, Gwary revealed that some of the dislodged miscreants were involved in illicit drug activities.
Represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Dr. Peter Olumuji, Gwary revealed that some of the dislodged miscreants were involved in illicit drug activities.
He stressed that the FCTA would intensify its crackdown to ensure that such elements have no safe haven in the capital city.