Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Government has dislodged illegal occupants of an uncompleted building following concerns over threats and nuisance to the surrounding environment.
Ikengaonline learned that the action carried out by the enforcement team of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) on Thursday was prompted by a surge in drugs peddling and other illicit enterprises within the environment.
Officials of the two combined teams acted swiftly to dislodge approximately 300 individuals hailing from various states, who had unlawfully occupied the structure intended for use as a hotel.
Addressing Journalists in Amawbia, the Commander of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwimo, said there was urgent need for intervention, citing rampant illegal enterprises and public nuisance perpetrated by the occupants.
Ugochukwu who disclosed that there was prior warnings and 14 days eviction notice to the illegal occupants of the structure, but they persisted in their nefarious activities, hence, a comprehensive response from authorities.
Speaking on the need to maintain law and order in the capital city, Mr Ugochukwu disclosed that contact with the owner of the building revealed his lack of knowledge regarding the unauthorised tenants, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In his words, “Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of children and women found in the premises. while measures are being taken to prevent similar situations in the future,” he said.
When inquired by newsmen on the arrangement of the occupants of the uncompleted building, a private security man from Adamawa State, Muhammed Garba, who oversees the premises, clarified that the owner of the building had no knowledge of the illegal occupants.
Garba, who said he accommodated them based on brotherhood and tribal affection, acknowledged that there was nefarious activities ongoing within and around the area, but insists he had never been part of such act, nor had any arrangement whatsoever in constituting public nuisance.
Residents who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, expressed gratitude for ACTDA’s intervention, applauding the restoration of order and the eradication of the criminal hub.
They unanimously acknowledged the persistent security and social challenges posed by the presence of those occupants and welcomed the decisive action taken by authorities to restore sanity to the state.
