Demolition : Development Control Summons Dutsen Garki Natives

The increasing number of Individuals acquiring land from the Abuja Original Inhabitants without approval has become worrisome to the FCT Administration.

This is bearing in mind the gross economic loss and psychological trauma on the non- indigenes as they go without any form of compensation.

To this end, the original inhabitants of the Dutsen-Garki have been summoned for dialogue by the Department of Development Control ahead of the proposed demolition of houses in the area.

Director Department of Development Control FCTA, Mukhtar Galadima during the dialogue issued a two weeks ultimatum to the representative of the natives, to carry the message back to their people to avoid being taken unawares.

Mr Galadima, who was represented by the Deputy Director Monitoring and Enforcement, Hassan Ogbole, said the administration would not spare any building on flood plains or structure without approval from relevant Authorities.

“In line with the FCTA reform agenda, before we embark on any removal we have to consult with the natives, so that we don’t take them unawares.
The city is grappling with individuals acquiring lands from natives without FCT Administration approval, it is unacceptable for the government, this must not continue as officials of the department will use two weeks to mark the illegal structures before embarking on the full demolition exercise.” Galadima said.

Lending his voice, representative of Resettlement And Compensation, FCTA, Dr Saliman Dauda sternly warned all those patronizing the indigenes for land to desist from such act, adding that the FCT Administration would not compensate any none indigene that falls prey.

Also, the Deputy Drector Monitoring and Enforcement Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Kaka Bello said the illegalities were affecting the environment and humans, especially in the aspect of pollution and construction of structures in flood plain areas.

“Apart from illegal expansion, people also build on water ways and it is not good for the environment. The illegalities if not tackled will bring about flood and erosion”.

The Dutsen-Garki community representative, Mr Danjuma Fanus who noted that the indigenes are not against modern development, appealed to the FCT Administration to give them more time to overcome the shock of the death of their Chief and get their people properly informed.

“We appeal to the FCT Administration to give us more time, we just lost our chief. We will get back to the officials of the administration before the expiration of the deadline. And they should not demolish any house that is not marked for demolition.” Fanus said.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji