Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike has directed relevant security agencies to protect the demolition squad and ensure total recovery of lands illegally grabbed by developers.
The Minister gave the order on Tuesday when he paid an on-the-spot visit to a site where illegal development was ongoing, alongside the Guards Brigade Commander, Director FCT of the Department of State Services (DSS), FCT Commissioner of Police, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other officials of the ministry.
Wike, who expressed disappointment that supposed investors could move into the site and commence development without relevant approvals, 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 pave ways for the squad 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 land 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 areas notorious for land grabbing at 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 feed day. They 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 the 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,” Wike threatened.
