FCTA begins demolition of illegal market structures in Karmo

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) on Wednesday commenced the demolition of over 500 illegal structures at Karmo market in Abuja.

Mukhtar Galadima, director of the FCTA department of development control, said the demolition followed the expiration of the 24-hour quit notices issued to the traders.

Galadima, who was represented by Garba Jibril, assistant director and sector monitor in charge of Karmo and other districts, said affected persons were duly notified, adding that due process was followed before the commencement of the exercise.

“It is a known fact that people spend hours just passing through the road, particularly during market days,” he said.

“To address the challenge, the minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, directed that all illegal structures, shanties, and informal markets along the road corridor should be demolished and removed.

“This will allow a free flow of traffic on the road corridor and make life easy for the road users.”

Peter Olumuji, secretary of the command and control centre at the FCTA’s department of security services, said the demolition would improve security in the areas because the shanties provided shelter for criminals.

Olumuji said arrangements have been made with the divisional police officer (DPO) in the area to arrest any trader who flouts the order of non-operation on the road corridor.

Galadima asked the affected traders to relocate to the fully built and equipped market.

The director added that the market operators have agreed to allow the affected traders to occupy a shop for free for one year before paying any rent at a subsidised rate, including other incentives.