The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has demolished the popular Kilishi market located in the Area 1 area of Abuja.

The demolition happened on Monday after a notice was issued on Sunday by the Director, Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Muktar Galadima.

Galadima said that attachment shops, other illegal constructions, and parking lots have made the roads around the complex impassable.

He told the traders that the people-friendly FCT Administration decided to meet with managers of the market to reach an understanding before carrying out the exercise, adding that the congested nature of the market, its unhygienic and untidy conditions, were not good for any emergency and health.

Galadima said, “The way the market is very congested and unhygienic is not good for the safety and health of the traders and customers. God forbid but imagine if there is any fire outbreak in this market, it will be disastrous, and rescue operations impossible.

“As a government, we do not have to wait for that to happen before we take action. Remember, we were here last year to do some cleanup, but this time, it is different. We are going to remove the attachments and create space inside the market for parking.

“We are not happy with the traffic situation caused by activities of this market so we will sanitise it in line with the vision of the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration in sanitising the Federal Capital Territory.”