FG set to demolish illegal buildings in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration is set to carry out massive demolition of illegal structures in Lugbe, Kuje, Kubwa, Monkey village and other satellite towns and settlements in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Director, Development Control Department, Muktar Galadima, said the affected structures had been marked and their occupants notified about the impending demolition which he said would also affect various squatter settlements.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the director disclosed that his men would also demolish the Fisherman village behind NAF Conference Centre, Jabi by next month as well as unapproved structures on Oladipo Diya Road.

“We have a timetable, unlike what obtained in the past, we always like to give ample time, sensitise you before we move in. Now, we are going to Oladipo Diya Road tomorrow (today), we are using the mobile court to prosecute the offenders. We also want to go to Kuje, Lugbe where land racketeering is taking place, Kubwa and other towns,” Galadima disclosed.

Reacting to the allegation by residents of Paipe community that they were not informed before their structures were pulled down on Tuesday, Galadima stated that he held a meeting with the people in respect of the exercise three months ago.

He added that the Chief of Paipe was also at the meeting where it was decided that only the illegal structures would be pulled down, adding that the buildings were less than 50 contrary to claims that his officials destroyed 500 homes.

He said, “Three months ago when I visited the place, I saw the structures, the way they were arranged and the proximity to the road; for safety reasons, and the strategic importance of that road to the FCT, I drew the attention of my officers to what was happening.

“In addition to that effort, I held a meeting with the indigenous community that we are not going to touch their buildings, but the structures on the right side of the road would be demolished. There was a meeting with the community and there was an understanding that the illegal structures would be demolished and they were marked.”

Responding to claims by the demolition victims that they bought their land from the Gwari chief in the community, the development control boss advised members of the public to carry out due diligence at the appropriate agency before buying land.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper)