In response to the increasing prevalence of kidnappings and illicit activities, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a one-week notice to squatters, primarily suspected hoodlums, taking refuge under bridges in various districts of Abuja.
The move aims to address security concerns and restore designated green spots transformed into makeshift settlements.
Fred Kpakol, the senior special assistant on Environmental and Waste Management to the FCT minister, expressed alarm at the invasion under bridges, describing it as an eyesore.
He said the squatters are known to engage in activities that pose health and safety risks, including burning firewood, which could compromise the integrity of the bridges.
Kpakol, accompanied by officials of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), visited the squatters to raise awareness about the impending eviction and to highlight the potential health and security threats associated with staying in such locations.
He stated that the FCTA’s Operation Storm is set to clear these areas, sternly warning that legal actions will be taken against those who do not comply with the one-week eviction notice.
His words: “You are aware of the prevailing kidnappings and other atrocities people commit from different places and run under the bridges, taking refuge under the slums there, which is unacceptable.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is out to give the people a renewed-hope, through the instrumentalities in the hands of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who is prepared to make the city clean, and for this city to be clean, slums like this has to be taking care of.
“Because the security of this city is very important as the face of Nigeria, and we cannot deface the country, we want to warn on a very strong note that any human being that comes here to stay must leave.
“If you have the capacity or potential to do something in the city, then you take up what is right for you to do, and stay, not just to come and look at anywhere to stay and become a nuisance to the society.
“It is totally unacceptable, and we have given them one week, within which we will come and evacuate them from these places”.
