The Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration , FCTA, has issued a one-week vacation notice to squatters residing in the Apo-Dutse Pantaker area of Abuja. The move comes as a response to increasing reports of criminal activities and robberies in the vicinity.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Coordinator of the team and Director of Development Control, FCTA, made this announcement during his visit to the area on Monday.
He highlighted that the location had faced demolition in the past under previous administrations and that recent efforts to sensitize the squatters about the need to relocate or face demolition had been undertaken.
Galadima emphasized that the area had originally been allocated for residential purposes, and the team was now set to clear it for the rightful owners to take possession of their plots and commence development. He stressed that illegal squatters should heed the authority or be prepared to face the consequences.
“We received an intelligence report that there are some challenges here, and you would recall that this place was removed before, but they came back. Now we want to clear the place once again, once and for all.
But today we are engaging with them, discussing the mode of operation before we come back for demolition, and we will likely come back next week so that we have the exercise harmoniously,” Galadima stated.
Dr. Peter Olumiji, the Secretary of Command and Control in the FCTA, added that the task force had been receiving reports of criminal attacks within the area. He expressed the belief that once the illegal settlement was cleared, the crime rate in the district would decrease.
The task force had granted the squatters time to gather their belongings, but after the ultimatum’s expiration, they would return for enforcement.
Through its Secretariats, Departments, Agencies, and Services, the FCTA has a strong framework in place that promotes open government, anti-corruption, inclusivity, and public service delivery for ease of doing business.
Crediblenews.ng
