Fintiri revokes illegal allocation of red brick market land, orders immediate eviction
Adamawa State Governor, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has ordered the immediate revocation of the illegal allocation of government-owned land at the Red Brick Market along Numan Road in Yola, directing authorities to reclaim all affected property.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the government discovered that portions of the market, which belong to the state, were unlawfully allocated to certain traders and individuals by unauthorised persons without statutory approval, due process or remittance of proceeds into the state treasury.
The governor described the allocations as illegal and contrary to the provisions of the Land Use Act, the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority Law and other established government procedures regulating land administration.
To reverse the situation, Fintiri directed the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority (ASUPDA) to immediately take possession of and reclaim all the affected land.
He ordered all illegal occupants to vacate the property without delay, warning that anyone who failed to comply would face forceful eviction and possible prosecution for criminal trespass.
The governor also issued a stern warning to government officials and civil servants involved in the illegal allocation or sale of government land, saying his administration would not tolerate abuse of public office.
“Any official found culpable will be investigated, dismissed and prosecuted. Public office is a trust, and this administration has zero tolerance for abuse of that trust,” he said.
Fintiri further cautioned residents, traders and prospective buyers against purchasing, leasing or taking possession of government land from individuals, groups or syndicates not officially authorised by the Ministry of Lands and Survey or the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
He stressed that any transaction involving government land that does not pass through the appropriate government channels is null and void.
“Buyers risk forfeiting both the land and their money, as government will not pay compensation to victims of fraud. Always verify allocations with the relevant ministries before making payments,” the governor warned.
According to the statement, the action is aimed at protecting public assets, ensuring proper urban planning, safeguarding government revenue and restoring order in public markets across the state.
The directive takes immediate effect.