The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has said that all lands in the Territory belongs to the government and not the Area Councils, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
He said all landowners in the territory parading allocation papers said to be given to them by AMAC or any other Area Council, should steer clear of the plots they claimed to be owners.
Wike who was addressing aggrieved landowners at Sabo Lugbe recently, insisted that the illegal lands will be reclaimed by the FCT Administration.
He directed security agencies attached to the demolition squad to protect officials of the administration carrying out the exercise from hoodlums and criminal elements.
The Minister, who expressed dismay that supposed investors could move into the site and commence development without relevant approvals, vowed that all land must be recovered from such land grabbers.
He ordered the security operatives to ensure that all threats around the areas were removed to pave ways for the Squad battling to recover the land already dotted with duplexes and bungalows of different designs.
Wike challenged the developers who claimed to have necessary documents and approval to come up with such and present their case in court.
He said his administration would not condone any act of illegal acquisition of lands and contravention of procedures of development.
The Director, Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima had recently told journalists that the exercise was 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 said, “We are here for a 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”.
hr also warned the Area Councils against imposing all forms of illegal levies and taxes on the residents, stressing that the only approved tax on property is Ground Rent, and not any other rate whatever so called currently being imposed by Area Councils.
The Minister advised the Area Council Chairmen to devise better ways of raising revenue for their Councils and not imposing illegal or cutthroat taxes on Abuja residents.
