By Daniel Tyokua
The Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the minister of FCT, Ikharo Attah has insisted that the Apo-Dutse pantaker market suspected to be criminal spots must be demolished.
This, he said those that operate in the market should vacate the place within seven days.
Attah after an interactive meeting with the traders on Friday, said the place harbours suspected criminal elements, the Minister said the ultimatum given to them, can only be extended by one week from today ( Friday).
He noted that operators of the Pantaker market admitted that the place was riddled with several challenges, but pleaded for enough time to enable them remove all their property.
Attah explained that the decision to extend the ultimatum by one week, was due to the Ramadan, saying the Minister demonstrated magnanimity, but insist that the location of the market was illegal and contravenes Urban and Regional planning rules.
“FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has given a marching order to clear the place, because criminals are largely hibernating their, even the the people have admitted that the criminals have stollen some electrical installations there.
“We have warned them and given them ultimatum before, but they pleaded that their pantaker is not like the other ones, but the biggest in the country. They said that parking their things will take almost one month. We reviewed it because of the Ramadan and agreed on one week after the Sallah to vacate the place”, Attah added.
One of the leaders of Apo-Dutse Pantaker Market Association, Ambusa Umar , said the operators have consented to the decision of the administration, but pleaded for two weeks, instead of one.
Umar who noted that the operators are law abiding citizens, working to eke out a living and also contribute to the country’s economic growth.
He equally acknowledged that the place have had security challenges, but urged the administration to consider their request.
