The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • Workers march on Abuja over posting of Perm Sec

    Workers march on Abuja over posting of Perm Sec

    There was tension in Abuja as workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), protested the deployment of a Permanent Secretary (PS) for the FCTA, by the Head of Service of the Federation.

    The protesting workers also called for the full implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission (CSC) Law, 2018, which provided for the appointment of PS from the FCTA.

    The Office of the Head of Service of the Federation had announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for posting of 24 Permanent Secretaries in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA).

    Among the affected PSs is Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who was redeployed from the Transportation Ministry to the FCTA to replace the current PS, Olusade Adesola, who would retire on January 29.

    JUAC President, Matilukuro Korede, who spoke on behalf of the workers in Abuja yesterday, challenged the deployment, which he described as an aberration of the FCT CSC Law.

    Korede said the Federal Executive Council had in October 2023, approved the implementation of the law establishing a CSC for FCT.

    The president said by this development, the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, did not have power to appoint a Permanent Secretary for the FCT.

    The Nation recalled that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike had in October 2023, announced President Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of CSC for the FCT.

    Wike had explained that the development would allow career progression for civil servants in the FCT Administration to become permanent secretaries, who before now could only get to the position of a director.

    He explained that the directors could not get to the peak of their careers because there was no CSC for FCT.

    JUAC president, therefore, described the action of the Head of Service as faulty, and called for the full implementation of the FCT CSC Law.

    “On Thursday, we heard that the head of service has announced that she has gotten approval from President Tinubu to deploy another Permanent Secretary to FCT.

    “We felt aggrieved because it is an aberration. As we speak now, the FCT CSC Law has been gazetted since 2018,” he said.

    He said that since 2004, the staff of FCTA had been deprived of becoming permanent secretaries, adding that the law to make it possible was signed in 2018 but implementation became a problem.

    He said that Wike took the issue and within a month, secured President Tinubu’s approval for the implementation of the law.

    “But to our surprise, the Head of Service decided to include a name for appointment as permanent secretary for the FCT. As far as FCT is concerned, the permanent secretary should be appointed among the qualified directors in the FCTA and not from outside.

    “This will provide an opportunity for the staff of FCTA to get to the peak of their career by becoming a permanent secretary.

    “Our demand, therefore, is that the appointment of a permanent secretary outside the FCTA is an aberration and an anomaly that should be corrected. We are waiting for the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission,” he said.

    Read Also: FCTA workers reject posting of Perm Sec by Head of Service

    He added that if the Head of Service insists on appointing a permanent secretary from outside the FCTA, then she has to wait for the law to be amended and be given the power to do so.

    “But between now and then, the law must be obeyed and what we know is that FCT CSC has come to stay,” he added.

    Korede equally announced to the protesting workers that Wike had reached out to the leadership of JUAC and asked them to be calm.

    He said that the minister promised to meet with President Tinubu over the issue and would get back to them.

    He, therefore, asked the workers to shield the sword and return to work, while awaiting feedback from the minister, which would determine the next line of action.

  • JUST IN: Kidnappers of Abuja residents reportedly kill three victims

    JUST IN: Kidnappers of Abuja residents reportedly kill three victims

    Kidnappers who abducted 10 persons from an estate, Sagwari Layout, Dutse, Abuja, on January 7, have reportedly killed three of their victims.

    Sources said the development may be to send a strong warning to their relatives negotiating ransom payment.

    The recent development came even as it was gathered that the bandits have now increased their demand from the initial N60 million per person to N100 million, now totaling N700 million.

    Residents said the victims were allegedly killed over the ‘delay’ in raising the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

    It was gathered that a 13-year-old high school student, identified as Folorunsho Ariyo, was among those killed.

    Last Sunday, reports emerged that the kidnappers, who also operated in some villages in Bwari, had killed one of the six abducted persons to force the family into quickly raising the demanded ransom.

    Read Also: Why I supported payment of N50m ransom for abducted Abuja girls — Ex-minister Pantami

    Dutse is a town under the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    With the sad development residents of Sagwari Layout have perfected plans to stage a massive protest against the perceived inaction of the government and security agencies in rescuing their kin.

    Initially planned for Monday, the protest was shifted to Tuesday as a result of Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    All efforts to get the reaction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh were futile as she did not respond to phone calls and text messages put across to her.

  • Kidnap of six in Abuja: IGP vows to rescue victims unhurt

    Kidnap of six in Abuja: IGP vows to rescue victims unhurt

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun said the police have commenced a comprehensive plan to rescue six young girls abducted in the Bwari Area Council.

    Egbetokun said the Force Headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address the sad incident and prevent any further occurrence.

    A statement issued on Sunday, January 14, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action.

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    “All hands are on deck to rescue the victims. However, the sensitivity of the situation necessitates discretion, and as a result, specific details are being kept confidential to avoid compromising ongoing operations.

    “The NPF is actively engaging and contacting individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation. The objective is not only to bring perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in rescue operations for victims still in captivity.

    “Furthermore, recognizing the psychological impact on affected families, the Police are encouraging open communication with their operatives to provide support, information, and assistance to mitigate the psychological warfare imposed by kidnappers on the relatives and loved ones of their victims.”

  • Outrage as kidnappers kill one of six siblings abducted in Abuja

    Outrage as kidnappers kill one of six siblings abducted in Abuja

    …police, others intensify efforts  

    Bandits, who kidnapped Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar and his six children, have killed one of the abducted persons, The Nation has learnt. 

    The deceased lady identified as Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar was killed on Friday. 

    She has been laid to rest according to Islamic rites on Saturday. 

    Nabeeha was a 400-level student of biological science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

    Others abducted include: Najeebah (500 level, Quantity Surveying), Nadheerah (300 level, Zoology)

    The kidnappers had earlier contacted the family, demanding N60 million ransom, but The Nation learnt it has been increased to N100 million. 

    The victims were abducted on Tuesday night in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Alhaji Mansoor’s brother, Abdulfatai, who led policemen to foil their abduction, was shot dead by the bandits.

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    The death of Nabeeha sparked outrage on social media platforms especially “X”. 

    Many users trending the hashtag — #Najeebahandhersisters — called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining persons in captivity. 

    Following the new development on increase in the ransom, the family and well-wishers of the victims, have taken to social media to solicit funds towards their rescue.

    A relative of the victims, Sherifdeen had disclosed: “They have contacted the family asking for N60m ransom after prolonged pleading. They freed the father but held the children captive. We have been given Friday, January 12, 2024 to look for the money.

    “That is N10 million per child. To support the efforts in securing their freedom, we humbly seek financial assistance. We have provided bank details on my Facebook page.”

    Reacting, a foundation on “X”, @ftvf_foundation said: “Day 11: #Najeebahandhersisters haven’t been released. few hours ago, they killed and sent the body of one of these innocent kids to their parents 

    “The kidnappers are insisting on getting the full amount they’re demanding. We just want them back home safe and sound.”

    Condoling with the family, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami wrote on his verified “X” page: “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! I just read about the killing of our daughter Nabeeha (400 level, ABU). I also spoke with her father on the remaining 5 of our kidnapped daughters. May Allah forgive her, rescue others & bring absolute peace in Nigeria #Najeebahandhersisters”

    @ameenakado tweeted: “No one can understand what  Najeebah and her other sisters are going through. The bond between them and now they have killed one of them infront of their eyes.”

    A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad said: “I join fellow concerned Nigerians in urgently calling on the @PoliceNG through its PPRO @PrinceMoye1 to acknowledge and respond to the unfortunate incident involving the kidnapping of Najeebah and five of her sisters #NajeebahAndHerSisters more than a week ago. 

    “The information shared by a family member @Adamu_Asiya_ this morning indicated that the kidnappers have tragically killed Najeebah as a warning and demanded a N100 million ransom for the release of the remaining victims.

    @lilinbaba_ said: “It is with great displeasure and discontentment we received the passing of Nabeeha. 

    “This reoccurring tragedy of endless kidnapping in the north needs to stop. I’m urging our security officers to double their efforts in fighting these criminal syndicates. May her soul rest in peace”

    Meanwhile, the force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi emphasised that the police and other security agencies have been on the matter to rescue the abducted persons.

  • FCTA to unveil unified transportation system in Abuja  

    FCTA to unveil unified transportation system in Abuja  

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to unveil Unified Standard Transportation System in the nation’s capital. 

    This was made known yesterday by the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr. Abdulateef Bello, during a stakeholders’ meeting. 

    Bello said the recovery of taxi ranks earlier issued quit notice within the capital city would soon begin, with the aim of reorganising it for licensed operators. 

    He said the need to standardise the transportation system in Abuja had become necessary, considering that the city was fast evolving and no aspect of it should be ignored. 

     Bello said Abuja could not be left without an organised transportation system that would meet the needs of citizens. 

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    He said the administration had perfected plans with consultants to bring in buses that used Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), to solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja.

    He said the buses, when acquired and deployed in routes, would take care of the rickety vehicles and taxis that had been constituting nuisance on Abuja roads.

    One of the stakeholders, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, the chairman, RTEIN Mass Transit, said the new policy by the administration was a welcome development, but critical players in the transportation sector must be given adequate consideration. 

    Also, Okorie Victor, the chairman of Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association (SECDAN), urged the administration to embark on aggressive sensitisation to ensure stakeholders understood the evolving policies of the administration in the transportation sector. 

  • Abuja community under gunmen’s siege

    Abuja community under gunmen’s siege

    • Bandits injure two policemen, kidnap Bwari residents 

    Residents of Garam, a community in Tafa Local Government of Niger State, are still under tension, following persistent attacks. 

    Many residents of the area, which shares a boundary with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are now being displaced as they fled their homes, seeking refuge in urban centres. 

    Garam, which also shares a boundary with Kuduru, another troubled community in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, has been under severe attacks from bandits since December 24, 2023.

    The raging attacks yesterday also spread to Zuma community in Bwari Area Council.

    On December 24 last year, bandits invaded Garam community, which is very near Bwari in the FCT, killing a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, while kidnapping 13 others.

    On December 28, bandits again invaded Kuduru in FCT, kidnapping 18 persons.

    Similarly, on December 29, bandits invaded Azu in Niger State, killing three people and kidnapping eight others.

    However, following the ceaseless attacks, residents of Garam decided against observing watchnight or crossover service on December 31, 2023.

    A resident of the community, who pleaded anonymity, said most churches in the area observed the crossover service between 5pm and 8pm, while a handful of churches with adequate security observed the crossover service between 10pm and 4am.

    The source said the bandits returned on January 2, 2024, kidnapping a whole family, adding that the soldiers stationed in Azu, a neighbouring community, only arrived after the bandits had left.

    He said: “Due to the fear of bandits, most churches did not observe crossover service on December 31. Some churches observed the service between 5pm and 8pm. It was only MFM that observed the service from 11pm to 4am.

    “Though soldiers patrol the community during the day, it did not stop bandits from attacking the people at night. 

    “On January 2, an Igala man was attacked, and the bandits kidnapped the whole family. They came with their tools to force the gate of the house open. They operated for two to three hours. The sound of their guns forced the ‘vigilante’ team to flee. The soldiers arrived after they had left.”

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct council chair, godfather in Nasarawa

    Another resident said people were moving out of Garam in droves, while those who built houses there had sought refuge in other places.

    He said the sprawling community is now being deserted, as the military appears to have run out of ideas to tame the bandits.

    The source added that it appears the bandits are targeting those with cars who can easily muster ransom payments if kidnapped.

    It was gathered that the bandits again entered Garam on Monday night and operated into the early hours of Tuesday, where they reportedly abducted three persons.

    “The man who most residents described as NEPA staff, i.e., Abuja Electricity Distribution Company worker, was unlucky as bandits broke into his house, forcefully kidnapped him, his wife and his nephew, and escaped with them on motorcycles into the bush.” 

    Yesterday’s early morning attack on Zuma reportedly led to the shooting of two security personnel who were said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, while a yet-to-be-ascertained number of people were abducted.

    The morning attack would be the fifth in the series since the attacks began on Christmas Eve, with residents putting the estimates of kidnapped people at over 55.

    Although three persons were killed in the series, a fourth was reported to have died based on the traumatic experience of losing her husband to the kidnappers.

    “The fourth person who died was the wife of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor, who was earlier killed in the presence of his family.

    “She was recovering when the bandits called her line to place a ransom on her two kidnapped children, who are in the bandits’ camp. Having heard the demands, the woman, who could not bear the grief of the loss of her husband and agony of her two tender children, who are within the ages of seven and nine, slumped, reportedly went into a coma, and later died on Tuesday,” said a community source.

    Efforts to get the reaction and confirmation on some of the incidents were futile, as the FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, did not pick her calls or respond to text messages. 

  • Police arrest seven notorious ‘one chance’ syndicates in Abuja

    Police arrest seven notorious ‘one chance’ syndicates in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Friday, December 29, paraded seven notorious ‘one chance’ syndicates who have been terrorizing residents of the nation’s capital.

    The seven suspected criminals are Rita Geoffrey, Musa Bashiru, Ruth Friday, Isa Paul Abdulateef, Murtala Olawale, and Loveth Amos.

    While briefing reporters, the Commissioner of Police (CP), FCT Command, Haruna Garba said upon interrogation, Rita Geoffrey voluntarily confessed that she was involved in a series of ‘one chance’ activities within the FCT in the last three years in which one of their victims, a lady was murdered by their gang.

    Their confession led to the arrest of one Mohammed Aliyu Lawal, a POS operator that they usually patronize to withdraw money using the victim’s ATM cards.

    The suspects, he said will be charged to court after investigations.

    The CP said: “Between 1st of December till date, the anti-one chance clearance squad of the Command while clamping down on one chance elements impounded seventeen (17) vehicles without number plates and with tinted glasses.

    “The operators of these vehicles are currently being interrogated to determine their culpability in the one-chance activities, those found culpable at the end of the investigation will be charged to court.

    “You will recall that on 28th November, 2023 which is exactly one (1) month today. The Command recorded the following successes; 

    Total No. of one chance suspects arrested -11

    Total No. of suspected Kidnappers/Informants arrested      -7                       

    Total No. of stolen vehicles recovered                  -3

    Total No. of firearms recovered.                                 -5                   

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     Total No. of ammunitions recovered.                          -30

    Total No. of kidnappers neutralized -1

    Total No. of suspects paraded.                                   -43

    “While from the 1st of December till date, the Command recorded the following;

     Total No. of one chance suspects arrested      -9

     Total No. of stolen vehicles recovered.               -5

    Total No. of firearms recovered      -5

    Total No. of armed robbery suspects arrested.     -12

    Total No. of Rape suspects      -2                 

     Total No. of ammunitions recovered.                  -12

     Total No. of suspects paraded.                          -23.

    “On 03/12/2023 at about 2345hrs, police operatives from Dops State Headquarters on pin-down and stop and search at Power House roundabout Asokoro arrested three suspects namely; Abubakar Aliyu 19 yrs, Bashir Musa 19yrs and Abba Jafaru 20 yrs all males of Uke Village, Nasarawa state.

    “During the search, a Baretta pistol was recovered from them. During interrogation, suspects confessed to have burgled so many houses. Suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation”.

    He went further that: “On 15/12/2023 at about 1800hrs, acting on credible intelligence, that one chance syndicate were all out and planning on how to carry out their criminal activities.

    “Police operatives from Galadima Division swooped on them and arrested two (2) suspected one chance operators namely Humphrey Peter and Patrick Onomuoder, while three others escaped. During interrogation, suspects freely confessed to being part of the criminal elements that terrorize the Life-Camp, Karmo, and Gwarimpa axis. Their operational vehicle, a Toyota Carina E without a registration number was recovered from them. Suspects are cooperating with the police to arrest other members of their gang on the run”.

    Garba said police operatives from Wuse division on a Pin-down/Stop and Search operation along Herbert Macauley way flagged down a Nissan Altima Saloon car with Reg. No. BWR 488 SV driven by one Najibu Abdullahi ‘M.

    During the stop and search, the CP said was 5 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a military jungle hat, Naval rank, and buttons were recovered from him. Hence he was promptly arrested. He is presently in custody undergoing interrogation.

    He added: “Going by the above analysis, you will agree with me that the crime rate in the Federal Capital Territory has dropped immensely.

    “I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that, there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe, that one-chance operators have taken over the FCT. This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are coming in droves to FCT to reside and do businesses due to prevailing peace and security in the city.”

    The police boss said that Christmas was celebrated peacefully without any serious security breach.

    The Millennium Park, Magic Land (Amusement Park), and other recreational facilities, places of worship, and other key/vulnerable points were, Garba added adequately protected.

    He confirmed that there was no single incident of any kind reported.

    He assured that the same strategies that were put in place during the Christmas period will be replicated during the New Year festival. 

  • Intrigues over death of Abuja spa owner

    Intrigues over death of Abuja spa owner

    It is not easy to reconcile perceptions of a lively, bubbly and happy young businesswoman with that of a decomposing body being packed out of her flat in a bodybag. Business success, beauty, class and connections suddenly became a dark story echoing death and the cutting short of a truly promising life.

    The question that continues to linger in the minds of many is who or what killed posh Abuja beauty and owner of Fecit Luxury Spa, Miss Fecit Faith Banfa? Some people in the neighbourhood think that Banfa, who was in her late twenties may have been ‘used’ by a big man. Did she die of natural or unnatural causes or was she physically harmed or poisoned as some now speculate?

    She shares similar names with Faith Banfa, a Ghanaian-American actress, writer, and producer best known for her roles as “Aisha” in the Netflix original series “Dear White People” and as “Simone” in the BET+ original series “First Wives Club”.

    A former state governor and a former minister were among VIPs said to be on her clientele list and photographs that she posted on one of her Instagram handles, Fecitb21, includes poses in a private jet. She was a ‘happening’ lady with many followers online and in real life. Not seeing her usual posts on social media, lack of response to both calls and text messages all activated a few friends’ move to convince her landlord to break into her apartment. They got welcomed by the putrid smell of her decaying body.  The suspense over her death has defied solution.

     Police in Abuja feel concerned too and while speculations mount over whether Fecit was stabbed, poisoned or committed suicide, the sudden death has attracted much public attention and become one of the priority investigations going on. The shocking incident swiftly drew the attention of law enforcement in Abuja, prompting a transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID). FCT Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adah, confirmed the transfer, emphasising the intensive ongoing investigation into the perplexing demise of the vibrant and socially active Fecit.

    “Yes, the case has been transferred from Garki Division to CID, investigation is going on,” Josephine Adah, Public Relations Officer at the FCT Police headquarters told The Nation. The mystery death of bubbling Fecit, a Plateau indigene who graduated from the University of Jos became a priority for police detectives who are now working to crack the mystery.

    FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adah explained further: “ On 09/12/2023 at about 10pm, following a distress report from one Ahmed Muhammed at Garki Police Station, Police operatives proceeded to the residence of one Fecit Banfa, a female tenant of the above mentioned, who had locked herself in her room.

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    “Upon reaching the deceased’s apartment with some of her family members, her door was forcibly opened and her decomposed body was found; due to the decomposing state of the body, staff of Asokoro hospital were invited to convey the body to the mortuary and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja for further Investigation,” she said.

    With a very posh spa at Akure Street in a nice part of Garki within the central area of Abuja, and a boutique selling high-end bags, shoes and other items along with being regularly seen in designer clothes and accessories, many easily assume that such a person must be one of those highly-connected and rich Abuja elites who seemingly have nothing to worry about.

    Despite consistent efforts by the Police and other security agencies, audacious criminals and crooks from all parts of the country seem to continue streaming in, to try out some of their nefarious ways in the Federal Capital Territory. Police investigation is expected to illuminate the circumstances under which Miss Banfa died.

    Resolving the untimely death of Faith Fecit Banfa may be one more emphatic effort towards further reassuring citizens in Abuja and the Nigeria Police appears focused on getting to the root of mysteries like this.

  • Foundation unveils initiative to eradicate poverty in Abuja

    Foundation unveils initiative to eradicate poverty in Abuja

    A non-governmental organisation, the Ambience of Hope Exceptional Foundation, has unveiled an initiative tagged: ‘Operation Feed Abuja Municipal Area Council’ to eradicate poverty and contribute to economic growth of the area council. 

     Speaking at the launch of the programme in Abuja, National President of the Foundation, Barr. Alexandra Olukomo, said the initiative which is in partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), will transform into Operation Feed the North and south. 

     She said the initiative is in pursuit of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda. 

    The Nation reports that the foundation distributed food items, cooking utensils, sewing machines, gas cookers, standing fans, generators, wheelbarrows, stoves, hair dryers, grinding machines, hair clippers, coolers, among others. 

     Olukomo said the Foundation since its establishment in 2020, has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts. 

     She said: ”Our mission and visions includes to organise and design programmes economic and financial emancipation via passionate engagement is civil social responsibilities in all ramifications with a view to making lives meaningful for men, women and children. 

     “While we solicit moral and financial support, we congratulate Honourable Ministers Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State for their commendable efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of Abuja residents”. 

     Speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who was represented by the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs of the FCT, Mrs Adebayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said the initiative which is not only targeted at the Abuja residents, has a national spread which will tackle poverty in the country.

     While commending the foundation for the initiative, she said the entire FCT and the six geopolitical zones of the country will experience renewed hope in all areas of life.

     ”Nigerians are experiencing renewed hope in a very big special way truly, what has been bitter has become better ”.

  • Task force arrests 19 protesters for disturbing peace in Abuja

    Task force arrests 19 protesters for disturbing peace in Abuja

    A Joint Task Force team of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on City Sanitation, on Monday, arrested 19 protesters that besieged the premises of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Wuse Abuja.

    The 19 arrested protesters and scores of more stormed the premises of the council to protest the demolition of a Mechanic Village in Kubwa, by the officials of the AMMC’s Department of Development Control.

    The Director of the department, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, told journalists after the incidents that the workers in the building were going about their official assignments when the protesters besieged the premises.

    Galadima said that 19 of the protesters were arrested for the violent disruption of peace in the area.

    “We were having a meeting in a conference hall when we heard some noises. We decided to come and see what was happening and I saw some people with placards.

    “Some of the people were talking about Kubwa mechanic village where they own shops in the village, but which were demolished by  officials of the Department of Development Control.

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    “But what proof do they have that they have allocations inside the area,” he said.

    Galadima said that the sponsors of the protest built what they called a mechanic village inside someone’s property, adding that Development Control ordered the demolition of the village.

    He added that beyond building illegally on the property, the action became necessary following a series of complaints of encroachment in the particular space by the rightful owners.

    The director, who described the protest as “simply thuggery”, added that the department would recommend the prosecution of the culprit.

    “This is a breach of peace, and they should be prosecuted.

    “We are also going to find out who among our officers gave out the area for the development of a mechanic village. The officers involved must be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control, Dr Peter Olumuji, said that the task force was out on enforcement duty when the distress call came in from development control over the protest.

    “We abandoned what we were doing and dashed to the scene immediately and on getting here, we saw the protesters attempting to vandalise the premises, vehicles, and assault development control officers.

    “We have been able to arrest 19 of them and these will be taken to Utako Police Division for proper investigation and possible prosecution,” he added.

    (NAN)