By Ukpa Ewa
The enforcement team of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilance Group (AVG) on April 4, 2024 took a decisive action to dislodge illegal occupants of an uncompleted building intended for use as a hotel due to concerns over threats and nuisances to the surrounding environment.
Prompted by a surge in drugs peddling and other illicit enterprises within the environment, officials of the two combined teams acted swiftly to dislodge approximately 300 individuals alleged to hail from Kano, Taraba, Kogi, Adamawa and various other states, who had unlawfully occupied the structure.
Addressing Journalists in Amawbia, Anambra State the Commander of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr Ugochukwu Nwimo, said there were urgent need for intervention, citing rampant illegal enterprises and public nuisance perpetrated by the occupants.
Ugochukwu who disclosed that there was prior warnings and 14 days eviction notice to the illegal occupants of the structure, said they persisted in their activities, hence, a comprehensive response from authorities.
Speaking on the need to maintain law and order in the capital city, Mr Ugochukwu disclosed that contact with the owner of the building revealed his lack of knowledge regarding the unauthorized tenants, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In his words: “Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of children and women found in the premises while measures are being taken to prevent similar situations in the future,”he said.
When inquired by the newsmen on the arrangement of the occupants of the uncompleted building, a private security man from Adamawa state, Muhammed Garba who oversees the premises, clarified that the owner of the building had no knowledge of the illegal occupants.
Garba said he accommodated them based on brotherhood and tribal affection, acknowledged the allegation that there were nefarious activities ongoing within and around the area, but insisted he had never been part of such act.
Residents who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, expressed gratitude to ACTDA for its intervention, applauding the restoration of order.
They unanimously acknowledged the persistent security and social challenges posed by the presence of those occupants and welcomed the decisive action taken by authorities to restore sanity in the area.
