The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) demolished houses and structures allegedly built illegally in Gishiri, Katampe District, on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that officials from the FCTA’s Development Control Department, accompanied by joint security personnel, stormed the area with two bulldozers and demolished the structures.
Samson Atureta, FCTA District Monitor for Katampe and Mabushi, who led the demolition, said the action was part of the continued efforts to reclaim lands developed by illegal occupants.
According to Atureta, a town planner, the illegal occupants erected the structures on people’s plots that were designated for residential and commercial buildings, including those for educational and religious purposes.
He said that the exercise started two months ago.
He added: “This is our fourth visit to remove illegal structures and extensions in the community. There are many illegal developments and extensions in the Gishiri community; that is why we are clearing them for the rightful owners to take possession of their plots.
“So, what we are doing here is ensuring that those developments, either in the form of buildings or extensions, are removed. So far, we have removed more than 100 illegal structures in the area.”
He assured residents that the houses of indigenes and those with legal papers would not be tampered with.
He explained that the owners of the affected structures were duly notified about the intended demolition.
He also stated that the final notice was issued a week ago, requesting that the occupants remove their valuables and vacate the area.
One of the displaced residents, simply identified as Mama Blessing, stated that they were not given enough time to leave.
Mama Blessing, who owns a drinking joint, asked the FCT Administration to find them another place to live.
“We are not rejecting the demolition exercise because we know that it is government land, but demolishing our houses and structures without providing an alternative place for us is really painful,” she said.
