Insecurity: FCTA demolishes Apo-Dutse ‘pantaker’ market
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished a popular pantaker market in Apo-Dutse and cleared all surrounding shanties in Abuja. City & Crime reports that that was the second time the FCTA”s demolition squad was returning to the notorious pantaker market in one year. Speaking to journalists after the exercise on Tuesday, FCTA’s Director […]
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished a popular pantaker market in Apo-Dutse and cleared all surrounding shanties in Abuja.
City & Crime reports that that was the second time the FCTA”s demolition squad was returning to the notorious pantaker market in one year.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise on Tuesday, FCTA’s Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, explained that the return became necessary following several complaints from residents on insecurity posed by the activities of the pantaker operators.
He added that the exercise was also part of the FCT minister’s determination to ensure residents slept with their eyes closed and that there was no more criminality in the FCT.
Reacting to the growing calls for the formalisation of pantaker operations in the FCT, the director stressed the environmental and economic benefits of pantaker business in Abuja.
He said: “It’s part of the direction of the new FCT Administration. Everything we do we have to bring in elements of tax so that the people will contribute to city development and management.
“For me, a special team should be set up to look at this sector of the economy. If we can do that, I think we can generate so much employment, so much revenue, and maintain the sanctity of the city.”
Galadima cited the ‘kilishi” sellers in Area 1 Shopping Complex, saying initially they were not part of the complex but were later incorporated into it, adding that, “Let’s have this king of innovation in other sectors as well.”
Secretary, Command and Control of FCTA, Dr Peter Olumuji, who spoke earlier, disclosed that stolen items such as manhole covers and cables, as well as vehicle parts, including plate numbers, were found with the pantaker operators during an earlier enlightenment visit.
He stated that other criminal activities like rape were common in the area, adding that the team was there for a holistic security cleansing, not just removal of the shanties and trees that provided them cover to operate.
The Chairman of the Apo-Dutse Pantaker Union, Sagir Garba, appealed to the government to provide them with a place where they could do their business without having to face demolition from time to time.
He stated that with over 18,000 members, they would contribute not only to fixing residents’ vehicles, but also to the economy of the FCT.