ACTDA Dislodges Illicit Drug Hub In Awka
By Ukpa Ewa
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) enforcement team in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) has on April 4, took a decisive action to dislodge illegal occupants from an uncompleted building at Amawbia Express intended for use as a hotel due to concerns over threats and nuisances to the surrounding environment.
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 Kano, Taraba, Kogi, Adamawa and various other states, who had unlawfully occupied the structure.
Addressing Journalists in Amawbia, Anambra State, the Commander of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwimo, said that there are urgent need for intervention, citing rampant illegal enterprises and public nuisance perpetrated by the occupants.
Nwimo, who said that there was prior warnings and 14 days eviction notice to the illegal occupants of the structure, 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 Nwimo said that contact with the owner of the building showed his lack of knowledge regarding the unauthorized 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 the 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 that he accommodated them based on brotherhood and tribal affection, acknowledged that there was nefarious activities ongoing within and around the area, but insisted he has never been part of such act, nor has 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.
*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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