Pantakers operators around the Mabushi Cashew Forest have been given a two weeks ultimate within which to vacate the premises or face demolition.
The Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring Inspection and Enforcement to the FCT Minister, Comrade Ikharo Attah gave the warning at a stakeholders meeting with the Gwan-Gwan Traders Association Mabuchi.
“After two weeks grace, whatever they are left in the area will be demolished without empathy and sympathy. But , we will stay action since you have appealed and we will convey your message to the Minister but ensure that you pack all your belongings before the experation of the two weeks grace. Please don’t give us chance to remove your valuables because the bulldozer will not know how valuable they are to you. You have two weeks to remove them last week, you begged us on site . We will tell the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and the Commissioner of Police , Sunday Babaji that you have two weeks to remove your valuables.
“The Minister of FCT, has directed them to cumb and clean all criminal hideouts in the nation’s capital leaving no stone unturned.
“The only place we enjoyed in a situation like this was at Apo-Dutse Pantaker Market, they pleaded for time and after the expiration of the time, they started demolishing the shanties themselves. But the way you are going, i am not convinced that you people are ready to leave after two years, you are still asking for more time.
“We will come on Monday to start demolishing, 8s like you are asking for another two years. The meeting was called to rob minds and cart a way forward.”
Similarly, the Assistant Director of Enforcement in Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Kaka Bello said “We will give them two weeks grace but we will be moving in to check compliance. The moment will be in phases, before the end of the two weeks, every batcher must go.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Gwa-Gwa Traders Association Mabuchi, Salisu Rabiu appealed for more time to pack their properties while also appealing to the administration provide them with an alternative place to continue with their business.
