From MAGNUS EZE, Abuja
Traders and others wept profusely yesterday as bulldozers from the Development Control Department of Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency (AMMA) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) demolished the popular Canopy Market in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.
Traders who had ignored previous warning by the FCTA were shocked when the demolition team with full protection from a combined security squad rolled in the bulldozers.
The relief market was mainly occupied by furniture, office equipment, electrical and electronics dealers.
Several food kiosks were also affected.
One of the most devastating cases was the demolition of African Town Garden along Bermenda Street , Zone 3 where everything was turned to rubbles.
Proprietor of the exotic garden that just opened for business in February, Mr. Clement Aguiyi said he lost over N100m investment, adding that about 30 staff have been thrown back to the job market.
He said though the area was mapped out for transit corridor, that he got approval to stay there for five years in the first instance, and was shocked that AMMA served him quit notice on Wednesday only for them to roll in the bulldozers yesterday even when the one week period stipulated had not elapsed.
Saturday Sun learnt that the FCTA had recently gone tough on implementation of the Abuja Master Plan.