By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Officials of the Federal Capital Development Administration, FCDA, on Monday began a reclaim of land belonging to Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, in Lugbe as illegal structures erected on the land were crushed, and illegal occupiers chased out.
The demolition exercise was carried out in the area, popularly known as Timber Shield Market, Lugbe illegally occupied by timber dealers, scavengers and other sellers of petty items.
Director Department of Development Control Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mukhtar Galadima, while taking questions from journalists after the demolition of the shanties , said that the operation was part of a doing exercise of city cleaning and removal of illegal structures.
He said the area is corridor of the ring road 3 that connects Gwarimpa and public service institute, along onex as well link siraji to Apo mechanic area.
According to Galadima, before the demolition exercise, several notices were served on the illegal occupiers followed by meetings with the traders and some key stakeholders.
He said, “The area is behind high-tension line, TCN had awarded a contract for the energization of the power line, and the illegal structures must be removed before the commencement of the work.”
“Prior to the operation, we had invited all the traders and stakeholders for a meeting, and we briefed them of our intention. They were given enough time to relocate so that the work will commence, about two months ago.”
“We are going to sustain it, nobody will be allowed to return to the area.”
Moreover, the secretary of command and control center, FCTA, Peter Olumuji said the cleanup will help in securing lives and property in Lugbe and its environs.
Olumuji said that the administration was committed to fighting activities that will pave way for crime, and would not allow the unapproved area to exist.
“The cleanup exercise will help in securing lives and property in Lugbe and its environs.”
“Aside what the Transmission Company of Nigeria is going to do, it will also help to reduce the crime rate within the axis because the place harbor a lot of criminal minded individuals.”
The exercise also renews the FCT Administration’s war against drug dealers and other ill activities gaining ground in the area, Olumuji stated.
