The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has arrested two suspected land racketeers for selling lands illegally to unsuspecting residents of Ungwan Zaki, in Jahi District, Abuja.
Director of Development Control, FCTA, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, made this known in Abuja during the demolition of illegal structures in Jahi community.
His words: “I am not surprised because these are the antics of criminals, but we have warned the residents and citizens about this kind of ugly situation.
“We have warned people to beware because every land in Abuja has been planned for something. We equally warned residents not to buy land from local chiefs. You have to go to the appropriate authority.
“Even if you want to buy land from somebody, you have to conduct a due diligence search. It is unfortunate that these are victims of circumstances.
Galadima noted that the suspects, one Mr Yusuf Ibrahim, popularly known as Baban Kalifa, and Prophet Emmanual Ayisa, would be prosecuted according to the law.
He stressed that the authority would not give them compensation for their loss and advised people to consult appropriate authorities to search for whatever property they want to buy.
Galadima added: “I feel their pain, but whatever it is, it is illegal and that is why we are removing it. It is a continuous process of cleaning and sanitising the city. Obviously, this place is like a criminal den, because when we came in, we saw a lot of characters,” he said.
The Deputy Director and Head of Enforcement, Mr Hassan Ogbole, said that the area was reserved for a road corridor between Kado and Jahi Districts.
Ogbole said that the enforcement team visited the area five times, adding the people return and rebuild after every demolition.
“I believe that with this extensive removal of the trees, it will be difficult for them to come back,” he said.
