By Stanley Onyekwere
In furtherance to proactive measures to tame swelling insecurity in Abuja, the nation’s capital, has demolished a popular Pantakers’ market and surrounding shanties, in Apo-Dutse.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise on Tuesday, Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima explained that the removal followed several complaints from members of the area over insecurity posed by activities of the pantaker operators.
He added that the exercise was also part of the FCT Minister’s determination to reduce criminality and ensure residents slept with their eyes closed in the FCT.
Galadima reiterated resolve of his department to clean up the entire Territory to ensure all developments were in line with the tenets of the Abuja Master Plan.
Disclosing that the Department would go to all other areas that have similar need for clean up, the Director called on his colleagues in other departments to make available list of other areas, so that he would do the needful.
Earlier, Secretary, Command and Control sector, FCTA, Dr. Peter Olumuji disclosed that vandalized items such as manhole covers and cables, as well as stolen vehicle parts, including plate numbers, among others, were found with the pantaker operators during an earlier enlightenment visit to the area.
He also stated that other criminal activities like rape of the girl and boy child were common occurrence in the area, adding that the team was there for a holistic security cleansing, not just removal of those shanties and trees that provided them cover to operate.
On his part, Chairman of the Apo-Dutse pantaker union, Sagir Garba, appealed to government to provide them with a place where the 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.
However, some residents of the area in sperate interviews , also called for formalization of pantaker business in Abuja, even as they decried their uncontrolled operations posed insecurity in the FCT.
A resident, who simply gave his name as Arch. Raymond said: “Their operation poses a threat to everybody as there some guys coming into the estates pretending to be pantaker and they steal or maim people.
“We have too many uncertified terrains around Abuja and its causing a threat to others.”
Another resident, Umar Salis also spoke in similar vein, saying: “Let the government give them a legitimate place where they can stay and do their business without any infringement on any body.”
