Wike Orders Security Agents To Protect Demolition Squad, Recover Illegal Land

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has directed all relevant security agencies to protect the demolition squad and ensure that there is total recovery of lands illegally grabbed by developers.

Wike gave the order yesterday 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 expressed disappointment that supposed investors could move into the site and commence development without relevant approvals and vowed that all land must be recovered from the grabbers.

He ordered the security operatives to ensure that all threats around the areas were removed to prepare the squad for battling to recover the land 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.

“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 do not blame the FCTA.

“There are areas that these land grabbers are really having their field day. The Idu Train Station, which is now part of Gosa and Kyami, Apo Tarfi area and Lugbe. And 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,” he said.