FCTA Dislodges Hoodlums, Traders at Mpape Crush Rock Tourism Site

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ejected hoodlums from their hideout around the popular Mpape CrushRock tourism site.

The raid on the criminal elements was carried out on Monday by the FCT Ministerial Task Team led by the Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister on Monitoring,  Inspection and Enforcement , Ikharo Attah.

The urchins had laid siege to the tourism site from where they wilfully terrorised and robbed residents and tourists.

During the raid that lasted several hours, the task force also demolished all the illegal structures  by roadside traders, after they were cleared few months ago.

The Mpape Crush Rock water site has been receiving attention of private sector investors having been identified by the FCTA as a potential tourism attraction.

But despite best efforts to maximise its potential through public private sector collaboration, the activities of hoodlums around the site is deterring genuine investors.

Attah said that although the two ministers of the FCT were working hard to commence the  construction of the Mpape Road projects, some of the residents were not helping as they were contravening development plans and distracting attention.

He added that the consolidated attack on illegalities around the tourism site was to ensure safety for tourists during the festive holidays.

While he disclosed that many tourists had been harassed and molested by hoodlums at the site, including one of the media aides to the Deputy Senate President,  Lara Wise,  he stated that the administration would not watch while criminal elements continue their terror reign.

According to him, even the Divisional Police Officer in Mpape, CSP Adamu Faisa,  who had earlier called for the dislodgement of the hoodlums,  expressed satisfaction that site was finally secured.

He cautioned indigenous people and other residents in Mpape, who were rebuilding the demolished illegal structures,  noting that the administration will not relent in sustaining the operations.

“Coming back to Mpape today is achieve to achieve two things; clear the road which is already getting congested. They are already rebuilding the illegal structures, secondly; to dislodge the hoodlums in this tourism site, which has been a problem.

“Looking around here, you will see the activities of scavengers and hoodlums, making tourism activities here very difficult. We had cleared here before and these hoodlums left, but unfortunately, they are regrouping. The hoodlums have been snatching people’s bags and making them pay certain amount, ” Attah said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Abuja Environmental Protection Board,  Kaka Bello,  vowed his team would intensify its operations in the area to make the hoodlums steer clear from the area.

He noted that since those who were rebuilding the illegal structures,  were not relenting in breaking the laws, his team would also not give up in applying the laws.