Land grabbing: FCTA begins demolition of estates in Lugbe

• 50 duplexes, bungalows to go

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday renewed its fight against activities of land grabbers in the city, with removal of illegal structures in Sabo Lugbe area of Abuja.
To this end, FCTA officials accompanied by joint security personnel stormed and removed about 10 buildings, mostly duplexes and bungalows at their different stages of completion in today at Sabon Lugbe Southwest area, which is part of the phase five district of the Federal Capital City (FCC), for development without approvals from relevant authorities.
It was observed that most of the affected houses are sited within Footstool Estates, Mshel Jasper Estates and others yet to be identified that are located behind AMAC Timber market , off Abuja Airport Road.
Explaining the exercise, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCT Administration, this is in continuation of its reinvigorated enforcement exercise targeted at mitigating land use contraventions especially in notorious land grabbing spots in Lugbe, Idu Train Station, which is now part of Gosa and Kyami, Apo Tarfi respectively.
Galadima recalled that sometimes back, there was caution over the issue of land grabbing, during which the government warned that it was going to bounce on land grabbers, so that to make sure that all the structures that are close to 50 structures (duplexes and bungalows) will be brought down.
His words: “We are here for removal exercise today at Sabon Lugbe Southwest area, which is part of the phase five district of the Federal Capital City (FCC). We just started with just about 10 structures, but tomorrow we are coming back in full swing
“And recall that sometimes back we warned that we are going to bounce on land grabbers. So this is in continuation of the enforcement exercise, which had started.
“We want to inform the general public that for any person to buy any property in Abuja, please ensure that it is rightly titled property with approved development plan, but failing to do so, you could fall into the hands of these land grabbers, and please don’t blame the FCTA.
“There are areas that these land grabbers are really having their feed day. They Idu Train Station, which is now part of Gosa and Kyami, Apo Tarfi area and Lugbe. And today we are in Lugbe, and we will continue as it is a continuous exercise. So, illegal developments will not be entertained.
“The people that are deceiving them that they are going to be integrated into the phase 5 of the FCC should be warned and bewared. There is nothing like integration. Illegality is illegality, and we will continue to be removing them.”
On when the design and upgrading of the new phase 5 of the FCC into the Abuja Masterplan will be ready for use, the Director said: “ I think the FCT Urban and Regional Planning is working hard on that.”