The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Department of Development Control, executed a demolition exercise on Tuesday to reclaim over 100 hectares of land in Gosa District.
Tlp Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department, highlighted the collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian police to apprehend perpetrators involved in illegal land grabbing activities.
“The importance of eliminating land grabbing cases cannot be overstated, as it prevents unsuspecting Nigerians from purchasing properties acquired through deceitful means,” emphasized Galadima.
He reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to addressing such incidents, referencing similar actions taken near the train station last year.
The reclaimed land, initially allocated to a corporate entity for housing estates, was illegally fenced off by encroachers. Galadima assured that all illegal fences would be removed to prevent further encroachment.
He urged prospective land buyers to conduct due diligence by verifying land allocations with relevant government agencies, including the Department of Lands Administration, Development Control, and Urban and Regional Planning.
In terms of sustainability plans, Galadima outlined ongoing efforts to monitor the environment regularly, with particular attention to Gosa District’s development designated by Urban and Regional Planning.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of Command and Control at FCTA, condemned land grabbers’ criminal activities, including falsification of documents and violent confrontations with authorities. He affirmed that the eight perpetrators arrested during the operation would face legal consequences.
Hamza Adamu, CEO of Ivory Shelters Nigerian Limited, confirmed the legitimate allocation of the land for mixed-use development, including commercial and residential purposes. Adamu assured ongoing infrastructure development and security measures, emphasizing affordability and client protection.
He denounced illegal occupants as land grabbers and reassured buyers of property within the allocated land’s safety. Adamu projected a five-year completion timeline for the project, aiming to create a low-cost estate accessible to all.
