The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken decisive action by demolishing illegal buildings and shanties in Gwarinpa, removing more than 15,000 illegal occupants from the area. The FCT Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, revealed that the illegal structures were obstructing arterial road N16, which runs from the Federal Secretariat through Maitama, Katampe, Jahi, and then to Gwarinpa.
During the demolition, Galadima informed journalists that the Engineering Department of the FCTA was ready to commence construction on the road immediately after the removal of the illegal structures. The road construction project had already been awarded, and the removal of these obstacles was deemed necessary for its successful implementation.
Galadima clarified that the occupants of the demolished structures would be relocated elsewhere. He estimated that there were between 10,000 to 15,000 people residing in the area illegally. The Engineering Department, with the awarded contract in hand, was prepared to begin the road construction promptly.
Peter Olumuji, the Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, emphasized the security implications of the demolition. He noted that the demolished shanties had become notorious for harboring criminals, leading to various security concerns such as illicit drug dealing, rape cases, and armed robbery. Olumuji expressed optimism that the demolition would enhance security in Gwarinpa and its surroundings.
The authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the region, emphasizing the importance of the demolition in curbing criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.
