FCT: Protect demolition squad, Wike tells security operatives

As the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sustains the ongoing demolition exercise to recover lands illegally grabbed by developers, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed all relevant security agencies to protect the demolition squad and ensure total recovery.

He gave the order on Tuesday when he paid an on-the-spot visit to the site of the illegal development, alongside the Guards Brigade Commander, Director, FCT Department of State Security, Commissioner of Police, the Commandant, NSCDC, and other FCTA officials.

The Minister, who expressed dismay that supposed investors could move into the site and commence development without relevant approvals, vowed that all land must be recovered from the grabbers.

Wike ordered the security operatives to ensure that all threats around the areas were removed to pave the way for the squad battling to recover the land, which was already dotted with about 50 duplexes and bungalows of different designs.

He challenged the developers who claimed to have necessary documents and approval to come up with such and present their case.

According to the Minister, his administration would not condone any act of illegal acquisition of lands and contravention of procedures of development.

Recall that the Director, Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima last week disclosed that the exercise was targeted at mitigating land use contraventions, especially in notorious land grabbing spots in Lugbe,  Idu Train Station, which is now part of Gosa and Kyami, Apo Tarfi respectively.

Galadima said, “We are here for a removal exercise today at Sabon Lugbe Southwest area, which is part of the phase five district of the Federal Capital City (FCC). We just started with just about 10 structures, but tomorrow we are coming back in full swing.

“And recall that sometimes back we warned that we are going to bounce on land grabbers. So this is in continuation of the enforcement exercise, which had started.

“We want to inform the general public that for any person to buy any property in Abuja, please ensure that it is rightly titled property with approved development plan, but failing to do so, you could fall into the hands of these land grabbers, and please don’t blame the FCTA.

“There are areas where these land grabbers are having their feed day. The Idu Train Station, which is now part of Gosa and Kyami, Apo Tarfi area, and Lugbe. Today we are in Lugbe, and we will continue as it is a continuous exercise. So, illegal developments will not be entertained.

“The people that are deceiving them that they are going to be integrated into phase 5 of the FCC   should be warned and beware. There is nothing like integration. Illegality is illegality, and we will continue to remove them.”