The Ebonyi State Government has demolished an unapproved two-storey building under construction in Abakaliki. The structure, suspected to be a commercial plaza, was located at the Azuebonyi axis in Ebonyi Local Government Area and reportedly violated urban development regulations.
According to the Commissioner for Capital City Development, Chief Sunday Inyima, the building was sited within the 45 to 50 metres setback reserved for the Sub Trans-Saharan Highway. He explained that the ministry had issued multiple stop-work notices and revocation orders after the developer ignored warnings.
“There was no approved building plan from the ministry when the project started. We instructed the site engineer to stop work even at the foundation stage and confiscated some of their items. Despite this, they continued illegal construction, working day and night until the building reached the second floor,” Inyima said.
He stressed that the demolition was necessary to maintain order and compliance with urban planning laws in Abakaliki. The commissioner also warned prospective developers in Ebonyi State to seek proper building approvals, inspection, and supervision from the Ministry of Capital City Development before commencing any project.
“This should serve as a deterrent. Ebonyi is not a Banana Republic; we must uphold the rule of law to prevent the capital city from turning into a slum,” he added.
The demolition underscores the state government’s commitment to enforcing building regulations and safeguarding future infrastructure projects in Ebonyi State.
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