FCTA Threatens Land Revocation, Demolishes ‘Cashew Garden’ In Apo

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned that land allocations in Apo Cadastral Zone E27 will be revoked from owners who allow illegal occupants on their plots.

Director of Development Control, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, made this known in Abuja when he led the City Sanitation Team to demolish the popular “Cashew Garden” and shanties in Apo District.

Galadima explained that the exercise was targeted at clearing criminal hideouts and unauthorized structures.

He noted that the area meant for residential development, had been taken over by makeshift shops, tents, and beer parlours allegedly harbouring miscreants.

Galadima stressed that the FCTA would repossess such plots, adding that the crackdown would extend across the city.

“So we have concluded, based on what we have seen, that all those people that own plots here and allow these people to erect illegal structures will lose the allocations, and the plots will be reverted to the FCT Administration.

“You recall that we were at Zone 3, Wuse, and UTC for similar exercises since the commencement of the operation as directed by the FCT Security Committee.
Today we are in Apo, dislodging shanties and miscreants posing security threats to residents of the area,” Galadima said.

The Director, Security Services Department, represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Mr Peter Olumiji also warned that the capital would no longer serve as a safe haven for criminal elements, including illicit drug dealers.

“One thing we want criminal elements to know is that the FCT is not a place they can hibernate again. Wherever you go, we are going to pursue you and smoke you out,” Gwary said.

The Chairman of the garden, Mr. Steven Obiozo, lamented that about 200 occupants were not criminals, adding that the area was given to them to run their businesses, mainly food, provisions, beer, and soft drinks, by the owners of the plot.

The Develpoment Control Department Boss, Mr Galadima, however, insisted that their occupation of the area and operations were without government authorisation and, as such, illegal.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji