By Favour Nnabugwu
ABUJA—Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, yesterday, commenced the demolition of illegal structures in Mpape districts and its market. FCTA had said it will demolish 10,288 houses in the area.
The demolition squad had a combined team of security men, comprising the Army, Police, members of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other security operatives, providing security.
The market was completely reduced to rubble.
Mrs. Nkiruka Ugonna, one of those whose property was pulled down, said the Bwari Area Council had assured them that the area would not be demolished by FCTA based on the understanding the council claimed it had with the FCT administration to stay action on the matter.
Usman Maiwada, a kiosk owner, said the sudden arrival of FCTA's bulldozers to pull their structures was not in the best interest of the traders and government.
Maiwada, who spoke in Hausa, said the government should be concerned about the welfare of its people rather than subject them to more hardship, especially when the people are struggling to survive in a country where jobs and social amenities are lacking.
The rowdy situation led to serious traffic jam on the single lane road into the area.
While the officials involved in the demolition refused to speak to newsmen, a source said the administration was compelled to begin the demolition because of security concern.
Vanguard Nigeria