Abuja, June 3, 2023 -The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Saturday started the demolition of the multi-billion naira UTC Shopping Complex in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
A Joint Task Force from the FCTA stormed the complex in the early hours of today, Saturday, and started the demolition.
Some traders and onlookers around the complex said they were taken unawares as there was no prompting from the FCDA.
Shop owners were not allowed into the complex as the area was cordoned off by security agents.
Benjamin Okolorie, a shop owner in the complex, said he was coming to his shop when he heard the bad news as there was no prior information.
Many traders were seen around the complex wearing mournful look, while some were weeping.
Antony Elele, another shop owner, said he had lost all his life’s savings and investments with the demolition of his shop, accusing the FCTA of wickedness as they were not informed.
An FCTA official around the demolition site who sought anonymity, however, said the tenants were well briefed and given adequate notice.
“They had been instructed to go to another complex provided which has not been completed, but cannot it contain the over 480 shops in the complex, they all refused to comply,” he said. (GBN)
