By Harry Awurumibe Editor, Abuja Bureau
In line with the directive of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to return the city to its original plan, the Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished the
popular scrap market also known as “pantaker” in the Apo-Dutse, Dutse District area of Abuja over rising insecurity in the metropolis.
The latest demolition was carried out exactly two weeks after the Joint Task Force had handed down a week ultimatum to squatters in Apo Dutse Pantaker to relocate to allow the people allocated the land by FCTA to take possession of their property.
The Joint Task Force carried out the demolition at the Pantaker without any hindrance as the squatters on site tried to salvage some of their wares while the exercise lasted.
Prompt News reports that the Coordinator of the Joint Task Force team and Director of Development Control in FCTA, Mallam Mukhtar Galadima who led the team to interface with the squatters on November 6
told them that the task force received an intelligence report on increased robbery in the area.
Also, on November 12, squatters and illegal traders at the scrap market were asked to vacate the premises ahead of the Wednesday’s demolition exercise by the Joint Task Force whuch gave them a one-week ultimatum to relocate with their properties.
Speaking to reporters during the exercise on Wednesday, Galadima said the demolition at the market was the second time this year, adding that the exercise followed several complaints from residents of the area about security threats posed by the activities of the panteka operators.
He said the clearance was part of the FCT Minister’s determination to ensure that Abuja is free of crimes and criminality, pointing out that “It’s part of the direction of the new FCT Administration, everything we do, we have to bring in elements of tax so that the people will contribute to city development and management”.
Said he: “I am also an advocate of integration. That is integrating the informal sector because they contribute huge percentage to the national economy, so let’s look at it and study it to know how we can integrate it.”
“For me, a Special Team should be set up to look at this sector of the economy. If we can do that, I think we can generate so much employment, so much revenue, and maintain the sanctity of the city.”
The FCTA Director said his team would also go to all other areas that need cleanup and demolition.
Also speaking after the exercise, Peter Olumuji, Secretary of Command and Control Sector, FCTA, said vandalised items such as manhole covers and cables, as well as stolen vehicle parts, including vehicles number plates, were found with the “pantaker” operators during a previous visit to the area.
He said his team was there for a holistic security cleansing, not just the removal of the shanties and trees that provided them cover to operate. READ ALSO:
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Recall Galadima had argued that the place was demolished before by previous Administrations and that more recently, a lot of sensitization had been carried out to get the squatters to relocate or face demolition soon.
Explaining that the place has been allocated for residential purposes, Galadima said the team would clear it for the owners to take over their plots and develop them accordingly, adding that illegal squatters should respect the constituted authority.
