By Our correspondent
On Wednesday, the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA) demolished a shrine and several illegal structures behind the State Government House in Awka.
The exercise, which began at 9:47am, was supervised by the Agency’s Enforcement Chief, Mr. Okonkwo Ukachukwu.
The demolished shrine was a place of worship for some residents in the area. However, the government did not comment on the specific reasons for the demolition.
The exercise also extended to other parts of the state capital, where illegal structures marked with warning notices by the agency were destroyed.
Some traders expressed disappointment at the loss of their businesses, while others supported the government’s move to enforce urban development regulations.
The demolition has sparked debate in the state, with some seeing it as a necessary step to promote urban development and others viewing it as an infringement on religious rights.
The State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo had recently expressed concern over the resurgence of paganism in the state, particularly among youths.
The government’s actions have drawn attention to the issue of paganism in Anambra State, with some calling for greater understanding and tolerance between different religious groups.
The demolition exercise is expected to continue in other parts of the state, as the government seeks to assert its stance on urban development and religious practices.
The Anambra State Government has yet to comment on the demolition exercise, but it is expected to release a statement in the coming days.
