Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, has demolished illegal businesses, shanties and other makeshift buildings in Isiama Afaraukwu, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State.
Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, the General Manager of UCDA said some of the structures razed were claimed to be hideouts for criminals and drug peddlers, thus the state government’s action against them.
The proprietors of the demolished structures were duly served notices by the Abia State Government on March 17 and April 17, 2026, before the bulldozers were deployed on Tuesday, he added.
The General Manager of the UCDA said the exercise was carried out in compliance with its mandate and functions as stipulated in the Abia State Urban and Regional Planning Board and Town Planning Authorities Law, Cap 40, Volume 2, Laws of Abia State 2005, as amended.
“The demolition exercise will not be limited to Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, but will be extended to the entire state capital. “The State Government is resolved to free the capital of defacing structures,” Agomoh said.
He denied allegations that people’s property was destroyed without notice and asked other owners of shanties to voluntarily remove them.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has refuted accusations that he was engaged in the demolition of the property of the residents of Afara.
Emetu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Cyril Eke Mba, described the claims as falsehoods meant to foment conflict among the population.