By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
In a renewed effort to tackle criminal activities and enhance security in the state capital, officials of the Lokoja Local Government Council, led by the Council Secretary, Hon. Abubakar Danjuma Muhammed, on Monday demolished more than 100 makeshift shops at Kasuwan Ruwa, opposite the International Market in Lokoja.
The demolition exercise, carried out in the early hours of the day, saw traders hurriedly evacuating their goods and valuables as council officials moved in to pull down the affected structures.
A correspondent of National Watch Tv who visited the scene observed scores of traders running helter-skelter to salvage their belongings before the demolition commenced.
Some of the affected traders told National Watch Tv that the local government had earlier issued notices informing them of the planned exercise.
Speaking to journalists during the operation, Hon. Abubakar Danjuma Muhammed said the demolished shops had for years served as hideouts for criminal elements operating within and around the market area.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed that kidnappers and other criminals frequently used the makeshift structures as operational bases, posing serious security threats to residents and traders.
He explained that the council took the decision after careful assessment and consultations, adding that adequate notice had been given to occupants before the demolition.
“The demolished shops have been harbouring criminals for a long time. Intelligence reports indicate that kidnappers and other criminal elements use these structures. We gave them notice before carrying out this exercise because the safety of residents remains our priority,” he stated.
The council secretary also urged traders and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
Also speaking, the Sarkin Kasuwa, Alhaji Bawa Musa, commended the local government for the exercise, describing it as a timely intervention that would help restore sanity and improve security around the market.
Similarly, Abubakar Abdullahi Yawa Babangida praised the council’s action, noting that criminal elements had long used the makeshift shops as hideouts.
Residents expressed optimism that the demolition would curb criminal activities and create a safer environment for legitimate business activities in the area.
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