By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to commence removal of all illegal settlements aiding criminality within the territory, especially in the Federal Capital City (FCC).
This move is meant to tackle the menace being created by all manners of illegal settlements and shanties, particularly those harbouring criminals and also preventing developmental projects within the FCC.
This was made known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to the statement, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike had earlier constituted a Stakeholders Commttee which comprises of heads of security agencies, FCTA officials, Civil Society Organisations, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and others, all in a bid to ensure safer FCT.
The statement read: ” It was identified at the committee meeting that apart from preventing land allottees from making use of their lands, and government from carrying out developmental projects, the shanties in Area 1, Durumi have become operational base for criminals, especially kidnappers, drug peddlers and one-chance operators.
” Three months ago, when security agencies carried out an operation in Area 1, Durumi, over 120 miscreants were arrested. Among those arrested in the operation that lasted over three hours were drug peddlers, one-chance operators, carjackers and armed robbers.
“Seven stolen vehicles, and 79 stolen motorcycles were recovered, while 155 ATM cards were recovered. These ATM cards were those snatched from victims of one-chance operators, using the settlement as their base.
” Then, some of the shanties in Area 1, Durumi were cleared. But today, the shanties are back and the criminals have regrouped, making the area unhabitable for law-abiding Nigerians.
” Also, these shanties and makeshift houses are built on land allocated more than 20 years ago, but the illegal settlers and criminals who have turned the area to their abode have made it impossible for the allottees to make use of their lands. Even government agencies have found it difficult to use their land in Area 1, Durumi.
” Consequently, the FCTA is already clearing shanties in the City Centre, and those in Area 1, Durumi will be cleared very soon.
END.
