Wike’s Bulldozers At Work, Demolish Abuja Market
BY EDMOND ODOK – In keeping with the inaugural speech promise of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike to take down all illegal structures distorting the Abuja masterplan, bulldozers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday demolished a market called “Kasuwan Dare” in the nation’s capital
In taking down the market located at Hassan Musa Katsina Street, near Kpaduma II in Asokoro Extension, Abuja, FCTA officials explained that the area has become notorious for harbouring suspected hoodlums, drug dealers and other criminals.
According to the Director, FCTA’s Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, following complaints of regular criminal attacks and incidents, the market was fast becoming a threat to the residents of the area and passersby.
Galadima explained that the demolished market was turned into a haven for criminal activities despite relentless efforts by the FCT Administration to sanitise the area.
He said the dangerous activities of criminal elements operating within the area were affecting the aesthetic quality of the entire environment, adding that the FCTA would no longer condone such bad behaviour in the City.
Giving further insight into the ongoing clearance operations around the City Centre, the Development Control boss said; “The operation will help us get rid of the hoodlums and drug dealers that have taken over the place. We had demolished the place about three times, but these nuisances rebuilt and continued their activities.
“This time around, the demolished market will remain demolished. We need to sanitise the place and enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment.
“It is also part of the current administration’s policy of sanitising the city, and this is one of the areas we are commencing the exercise.”
Meanwhile, the FCTA demolition squad had on Monday, August 28, 2023, brought down a multimillion-Naira duplex located at Plot 226 Cadastral Zone, A02 Wuse 1, Wuse Zone 6 District, accusing the developer of erecting the massive structure on an unapproved plot of land.
The Head of Development Control, FCTA, Mukhtar Galadima, stated that the action was taken after investigations revealed that the building, owned by the late Alake of Egba Land, Oba Oye Lipede, was appropriated by Ibrahim Kamba and Ademu Teku, who constructed the duplex against all warnings from official quarters.
Galadima disclosed that an extensive investigation was conducted by the FCTA’s team to ascertain the original owner of the plot of land, following varying claims by the contending parties, warning that the Administration will always be fair to all in its decisions.
However, he said once development rules and regulations are breached, such defaulting developers will be sanctioned irrespective of their status. – With NAN reports