The Anambra state government has dislodged illegal occupants of an uncompleted building in Awka, the state capital.
The action THE RAZOR gathered was due to concerns over threats and nuisances to the surrounding environment, caused by the occupants.
The enforcement team of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) carried out the operation on thursday 4th April 2024 in the over all interest of the public.
There had been allegations that the facility which was initially meant to be used as a hotel had become a hideout for drug peddling and other illicit enterprises within the structure which is located within the Enugu Onitsha Expressway , close to the Amawbia Flyover.
Officials of the two combined teams acted swiftly to dislodge about 300 individuals hailing from various parts of the country who had unlawfully occupied the structure.
Addressing Journalists shortly after the exercise, the Commander of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwimo, said there was an urgent need for intervention, citing rampant illegal enterprises and public nuisance perpetrated by the occupants of the building .
Mr Nwimo who disclosed that there was prior warnings and 14 days eviction notice to the illegal occupants of the structure, regretted that they persisted in their nefarious activities, hence, a comprehensive response from government authorities.
Mr Nwimo who harped on the news for law and order withing the state capital and beyond, disclosed that an interaction with the owner of the building revealed that he was not aware that some miscreants and unauthorized tenants were using his facility for illegal activities.
“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”
A security guard who was originally occupying the building, Mr Muhammed Garba said he accommodated the other occupants based on brotherhood and tribal affiliation but acknowledged evicted persons were using the place for nefarious activities.
Some residents of Awka and Amawbia who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed gratitude for ACTDA’s intervention, applauding the restoration of order and the eradication of the criminal hub by the Soludo led administration.
It was gathered that the people unanimously acknowledged the persistent security and social challenges posed by the presence of the occupants and welcomed the decisive action taken by the governor Chukwuma Soludo led government through agencies like ACTDA to restore sanity to the state.
