FCTA impounds vehicles with beggars

Bankole Makinde, Abuja - 28.08.2008

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) last Friday impounded eight vehicles at entrance points into the Federal Capital City, Abuja, carrying 120 beggars.

The FCT Minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, who said this in Abuja on Wednesday, said these were part of efforts being made by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board to frustrate such activities in FCT.

The minister said the administration had adopted a proactive approach to rid the city of beggars and the method paid-off because 120 beggars were arrested.

Dr. Modibbo remarked that eight vehicles conveying the beggars from Dei-Dei, Keffi, Mararaba and Yangoji to the Federal Capital City were impounded.

“We have adopted a proactive approach to rid the city of beggars, because early morning raid on Friday August 22 alone resulted in the arrest of 120 beggars and impounding of eight vehicles used in transporting them.”

The minister said the FCT Administration, in the past two weeks, removed 31 illegal GSM kiosks, 58 batchers, 1,503 posters and 40 banners from the streets.

He revealed that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, during the period under review, served 52 abatement notices for various environmental offences and sealed-off 12 premises, adding that 203 hawkers were arrested and prosecuted.

According to him, the administration issued 480 court summons while 520 matters were heard, including mass trial to quickly dispose off the cases, to serve as deterrent to other residents who may have the intention of perpetuating the same act.