Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has revoked what he described as the illegal allocation of portions of the Red Brick Market land along Numan Road, directing authorities to immediately reclaim the affected property.
The governor, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, said the government discovered that parts of the state-owned market land had been allocated to traders and private individuals by unauthorized persons without statutory approval, due process, or remittance of proceeds to the state treasury.
According to the statement, the allocations contravened the Land Use Act, the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority Law, and established government procedures governing public land administration.
Fintiri consequently directed the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority to take immediate possession of the affected areas and reclaim all illegally allocated plots.
“All illegal occupants are hereby ordered to vacate the property with immediate effect. Failure to comply will attract forceful eviction and prosecution for criminal trespass,” the governor said.
The governor also warned government officials and civil servants against facilitating or participating in the unlawful allocation or sale of government land, stressing that anyone found culpable would face investigation, dismissal, and prosecution.
“Public office is a trust, and this administration has zero tolerance for abuse of that trust,” he stated.
Fintiri further cautioned residents and traders against purchasing, leasing, or taking possession of government land from individuals or groups not duly authorized by the Ministry of Lands and Survey and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
He maintained that any transaction involving government land outside approved channels is invalid and warned prospective buyers that they risk losing both the land and their money, as the government would not compensate victims of fraudulent transactions.
“Always verify allocations with the relevant ministries before making payments,” the governor advised.
The governor said the action became necessary to protect public assets, promote proper urban planning, safeguard government revenue, and restore order within the state’s markets.
The directive takes immediate effect, according to the statement.
