In a bold move, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) carried out the demolition of the notorious illegal market known as “Kasuwan Dare” on Tuesday. Suspected of harboring criminal elements and drug dealers, the market was situated in the Asokoro area of Abuja.
The market, which had been operating at Hassan Musa Katsina Street, near Kpaduma II in Asokoro Extension, Abuja, was razed to the ground by officials from the Department of Development Control. This action came as a response to growing concerns over the market’s role as a potential refuge for hoodlums and drug-related activities, posing a significant threat to local residents and passersby.
Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control, emphasized that despite continuous efforts by the FCT Administration to clean up the area, the illegal market persisted as a hub for criminal endeavors. The unsanctioned activities in the region not only jeopardized the safety of residents but also marred the overall aesthetic of the environment. Galadima asserted that this demolition marked a significant step toward curbing these issues and aligning with the administration’s policy to rejuvenate the city.
Mr. Peter Olumuji, the Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control, assured the public that measures would be taken to ensure the safety and security of the area’s residents going forward.
Local sentiment surrounding the demolition was largely positive. Mr. Bitrus Yakubu, the village head of Kpaduma, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, acknowledging that while the market had been a fixture for over two decades, its removal was ultimately in the best interest of the neighborhood. The eradication of “Kasuwan Dare” was seen as a commendable action taken by the FCT Administration to combat criminal activities and rejuvenate the area’s appearance.
The demolition of the illegal market sends a clear message that the FCTA is dedicated to upholding safety and order within the city while striving to enhance its visual appeal. This pivotal step marks the initiation of the administration’s larger efforts to cleanse and revitalize Abuja’s neighborhoods.
