Squatters and illegal traders at the Apo Dutse scrap market, also known as Pantaker, are facing eviction this week, with the risk of losing their goods to Federal Capital Territory Administration bulldozers.
The ultimatum was issued by the Joint Task Force of the FCTA, prompted by increased robbery incidents in the area, according to Mukhtar Galadima, the Coordinator of the team and Director, Development Control.
Galadima emphasized that the scrap market had been demolished before by previous administrations, and recent sensitization efforts aimed to persuade squatters to relocate or face imminent demolition within the next week.
The area, originally allocated for residential purposes, is slated to be cleared for plot owners to develop accordingly.
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Addressing the squatters, Galadima urged them to respect constituted authority and adhere to the relocation directives, emphasizing the need to address the challenges in the area.
The team’s intention is to facilitate a harmonious engagement before the scheduled demolition.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control in the FCTA, highlighted the reports of criminal attacks in the vicinity, particularly targeting an estate.
He expressed the belief that clearing the illegal settlement would contribute to reducing the crime rate within the district.
The task force has granted squatters a period to pack their belongings, with enforcement slated to follow after the expiration of the one-week ultimatum.
