The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished 11 duplexes in the Dutse District of Abuja, citing safety violations and disregard for development regulations.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, was led by the Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, who said the buildings were constructed under high-tension power lines and along a stream channel, making them unsafe and illegal.

Speaking during the exercise, Galadima disclosed that the affected developer had been served multiple stop-work notices but continued construction despite warnings.

“We declined to grant building approval because of the location’s proximity to a high-tension line and a stream channel. Yet, they went ahead with construction, ignoring our notices and directives,” he explained.

According to Galadima, the FCTA’s engineering department had alerted his office after observing that the developer intended to build bridges in the area, prompting immediate enforcement action.

He clarified that while the land was statutorily allocated, the building plan was never approved, rendering the structures illegal.

“This is a clear case of disregard for due process. We even wrote to the developer at various stages of construction to stop, but they chose to proceed,” he added.

Galadima further revealed that the FCTA was considering introducing a new law to impose financial penalties on property owners who violate building regulations — even after their illegal structures are demolished.

He emphasized that no compensation would be paid to the developer, as the construction lacked official approval.

“We cannot reward illegality. However, since it was a statutorily allocated plot, the administration may consider providing an alternative plot,” he said.

The FCTA reiterated its commitment to strict urban planning enforcement, stressing that such demolitions are necessary to protect lives, ensure environmental safety, and maintain the integrity of Abuja’s master plan.