The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, on Monday demolished suspected criminals’ hideout around the popular Crush Rock, Mpape, Abuja.

The site, according to the FCTA, was one of the tourist sites already identified by the territory and was receiving the attention of private investors.

But the activities of the hoodlums were scaring away tourists.

Speaking after the demolition, the Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Ikharo Attah, said the exercise was to ensure the safety of tourists during this yuletide and the holidays.

Attah said, “Coming back to Mpape today is to achieve two things, to clear the road which is already getting congested and 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 have cleared here before and these hoodlums left, but unfortunately, they are regrouping. The hoodlums have been snatching peoples bags and making them pay a certain amount.

“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, the administration cannot watch while criminal elements continue their terror reign.

“Even the Divisional Police Officer in Mpape, CSP Adamu Faisa, had earlier called for the dislodgement of the hoodlums. The clean up we have done today would ensure the safety of tourists who would be coming here during this yuletide and the holidays.”

Attah, while warning indigenous people and other residents in Mpape, who were rebuilding the demolished illegal structures, noted that the administration will not relent in sustaining the operations.

He stated that the two Ministers of the FCT were working hard to commence construction of the Mpape Road projects,

but residents have continued to distract attention by contravening development plans.

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