Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has ordered the immediate revocation of illegal allocations of portions of the Red Brick Market land along Numan road, directing relevant authorities to reclaim the affected property without delay.
Governor Discovers Unlawful Allocations
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor revealed that the state government had discovered that sections of the government-owned market were unlawfully allocated to traders and individuals by unauthorized persons. These allocations were made without statutory approval, due process, or remittance of proceeds to the state treasury.
According to Fintiri, the allocations contravene the provisions of the Land Use Act, the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority (ASUPDA) Law, and established government procedures governing public land administration.
Immediate Reclamation Ordered
The governor directed ASUPDA to immediately take possession of and reclaim all illegally allocated portions of the market. He ordered all illegal occupants to vacate the property with immediate effect, warning that failure to comply would result in forceful eviction and possible prosecution for criminal trespass.
Fintiri also issued a stern warning to government officials and civil servants involved in the illegal allocation or sale of government land, stating that any official found culpable would face investigation, dismissal, and prosecution. “Public office is a trust, and this administration has zero tolerance for abuse of that trust,” the governor said.
Warning to Residents and Traders
The governor further cautioned residents and traders against purchasing, leasing, or taking possession of government land from individuals, groups, or syndicates not officially authorized 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 approved channels is invalid.
He warned that victims of such transactions risk losing both the land and their money, as the government would not compensate individuals defrauded through unauthorized dealings.
Fintiri said the action was necessary to protect public assets, ensure proper urban planning, safeguard government revenue, and restore order in the state’s markets.
