By Daniel Tyokua
The officials of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have demolished illegal structures in Karu market on Nyanya-Jikwoyi road.
This is in furtherance to its effort to rid Abuja of nefarious acts especially those causing traffic gridlock.
Officials of the FCTA, accompanied by security operatives, in a joint clean up operation stormed the area with two bulldozers, and ransacked makeshift structures built with woods and roofing sheets within and around the perimeter fence of the market.
They also removed several umbrellas and attachments to the shops inside the market, and set ablaze rubbles from the dismantled shanties.
FCT Administration had carried out markings of illegal structures around the market, located in Karu a major satellite town sitting on major road corridors, connecting the city centre to Old Karu, Orozo and up to Karshi satellite towns of the territory.
It was however, observed that some affected traders had carried out partial dismantling and removal of their wares to avoid loss.
Speaking on the exercise, the Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to FCT Minister, Ikharo Attah, who led the team, said it was to remove shanties and roadside trading within and around the market, so as to free vehicular and human traffic in the area.
Attah described the situation as very worrisome and disturbing, given the nightmarish experience motorists face daily, to pass through the Karu Market stretch of the Nyanya-Karu-Karshi road.
He adds: “It is very turbulent as people took half of the dual carriage road, to sell fresh fish, vegetables and others. That’s what took us there, and we have done it absolutely very well.
“For about five years, this illegality started developing strongly , it has not tasted our machines, so today it tasted the wil of the FCT Minister to actually rid Abuja of illegality especially things that impede on traffic free flow that is why today we are happy that people are excited that the road is free now.”
