FCTA Pulls Down Abuja Market For Shielding Criminals, Drug Dealers

      Scene of the demolished illegal market in Asokoro, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished an illegal market for providing hideout for hoodlums and drug dealers in Asokoro area of Abuja.

The market sited at Hassan Musa Katsina street, near Kpaduma II in Asokoro Extension is popularly known as Kasuwan Dare. 

Speaking after the demolition on Tuesday, Director, Department of Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Mr Mukhtar Galadima noted that the market constituted a threat to residents of the area and commuters. 

He hinted that the miscreants operating in the market were mutilating the landscape of the entire environment, which the administration felt posed serious threat to the city. 

Galadima noted that the market was pulled down due to insecurity, just as it also shielded miscreants, drug dealers and criminals from their nefarious activities. 

He lamented that FCTA had demolished the market about three times but the suspects rebuilt and continued their activities unabated 

“This time around, the demolished market will remain demolished. We need to sanitise the place and enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment.

“It is also part of the current administration’s policy of sanitising the city, and this is one of the areas we are commencing the exercise,” he added. 

Secretary of FCTA Command and Control, Mr Peter Olumuji assured that plans are underway to protect the residents from any reprisal attack.

The Village Head of Kpaduma, Mr Bitrus Yakubu, commended the FCT administration for rescuing them and ridding the area of hoodlums.

He said though the market had existed for over twenty years but he was excited that it was finally demolished, adding that the community is happy with the development.