The Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has demolished several structures in the Sabo Lugbe area of Abuja.
The development, FCTA said following the renewed fight against activities of land grabbers in the city.
FCTA officials accompanied by joint security personnel stormed and removed about 10 buildings, mostly duplexes and bungalows at their different stages of completion.
The buildings were demolished at the Sabon Lugbe Southwest area, which is part of the phase five district of the Federal Capital City (FCC), and were built without approvals from relevant authorities on Thursday.
Explaining the exercise, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCT Administration, said this is in continuation of its reinvigorated enforcement exercise 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 recalled that sometimes back, there was caution over the issue of land grabbing, during which the government warned that it was going to bounce on land grabbers, to make sure that all the structures that are close to 50 structures (duplexes and bungalows) will be brought down.
He 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.
Read Also: FCTA improving infrastructure to enhance investment opportunities – Wike
“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 an 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 be removing them”.
On when the design and upgrading of the new phase 5 of the FCC into the Abuja Masterplan will be ready for use, the Director said: “I think the FCT Urban and Regional Planning is working hard on that.”