Akwa Ibom State government has demolished several shanties, makeshift shops, and other abandoned buildings, which were described as hideouts for criminal elements.
The measure also paved the way for remodelling the Uyo metropolis and the adjoining areas.
The notice to vacate the areas earmarked for demolition by the state government expired on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
With the expiration of the ultimatum, bulldozers and other heavy-duty equipment were deployed to clear the illegal structures by the authorities of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), led by the chairman, Hon Anietie Eka, and supervised by the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways under the commissioner, Maj. Gen. Koko Essien (rtd).
The joint operation to demolish and clear the criminal hideouts affected areas, including the precinct areas surrounding the Ibom Plaza Leisure Spot in the city centre, makeshift shops along the Aka Road embankment, and the afforested areas around the former Urua Uyo (Uyo Market).
Speaking to some angry youths at the scene, Eka explained the importance of clearing the government-owned forest, citing the need to ensure the security of residents in the area.
He said the bush area had become a haven for criminals, perpetuating fear and insecurity around the Ibom Plaza axis, stressing that the operation became necessary to eradicate hoodlums as the menace of cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape and other violent crimes have become a recurrent decimal in the state.
He commended the youths for their cooperation in addressing this menace, which he described as a significant threat to the state.
On his part, Essien said the move aims to tackle the root causes of crime and build a safer and more secure city for all citizens in the state as encapsulated in the security management aspiration of the ‘ARISE Agenda’.
However, the stranded petty traders, whose makeshift shops were destroyed, some with goods inside, lamented that prior notice given by the government was not enough for relocation.
“Government has become so insensitive to the plights of the people. All my goods have been destroyed inside the shop because when the taskforce arrived this morning, no time was given to us to salvage our wares before destroying the structures,” a young lady, a dealer in female fabrics, who identified herself as Edidiong, lamented, fighting back tears.
“During the election period, they would come cap-in-hand begging even common people like us for a vote; after that, the real people-oriented governance will disappear,” Aniekan Ukem, a trader in foodstuffs and associated condiments, cried out.
“I am a graduate of philosophy, but since I couldn’t find a job since I graduated, I had to loan capital to start up this business as the government said we should “ARISE”, but the same government is the one destroying this only means of livelihood, how do I repay the loan?” Ekpe Udoinyang, a wine dealer, cried out.
