Residents, developers kick as FCTA demolishes duplexes, bungalows in Lugbe

Home Builders Association of Nigeria (HBAN), property developers and part-owners of property in Sabon Lugbe, Southwest District Layout, Federal Capital Territory, have lamented what they call ‘the continued harassment and demolition’ of their properties by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), which seeks to redesign and confiscate their land in the area. Chairman of the […]

Home Builders Association of Nigeria (HBAN), property developers and part-owners of property in Sabon Lugbe, Southwest District Layout, Federal Capital Territory, have lamented what they call ‘the continued harassment and demolition’ of their properties by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), which seeks to redesign and confiscate their land in the area.

Chairman of the association, Prince Engr Isaac Omolua, voiced their plight at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, alleging that FCDA and its agents had been subjecting them to intimidation and fear by vandalising the property of his members.

He said that the FCDA had been trying to grab the land belonging to the association by devising different strategies, one of which is the proposed redesigning of the layout.

He added that all efforts to address the issue peacefully had been scuttled by the FCDA and now resorted to arm-twisting tactics by carrying out demolition of the property of members of the association.

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There are unanswered questions by the FCDA, as to why the reason for redesigning Sabon Lugbe Southwest Layout is also not applicable to the Centenary land in the same area.

He said, “As believers in the present Renewed Hope policy to develop the country, we have written several letters to the FCDA to remind them of the existing layout without response.

“It is unfortunate that despite our peaceful approach, believing that Nigeria is our country and have nowhere else to run to, still many already developed houses have been affected by the FCDA demolition. We are talking about over N500m to N800m worth of property already destroyed.”

He also sought the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike asking him not to allow certain officials of FCDA to mislead him, and to officially put an end to the matter and call the FCDA and its agent to order.

Recall, City & Crime reported on Friday that FCTA had begun the demolition of 50 duplexes and bungalows illegally erected in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja.

While leading the exercise, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, explained that the structures were illegally erected by land grabbers without the approval of appropriate authorities.

He said that the southwest area of Sabon Lugbe was part of the Federal Capital City (FCC) Phase 5 District.

He also said that the department had warned that it would bounce on land grabbers in the area, and advised people against buying any property without due diligence to ensure its legality.