The Umuahia Capital Development Authority, or UCDA, has demolished illegal stores, shanties, and other makeshift structures in Isiama Afaraukwu, Umuahia North LGA in Abia State.
The General Manager of UCDA, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, said that some of the demolished structures allegedly served as hideouts for criminals and drug peddlers, prompting the state government to move against them.
He stated that the Abia State Government provided proper notices to the owners of the demolished structures on March 17 and April 17, 2026, before to the deployment of bulldozers on Tuesday.
The UCDA General Manager claimed that the exercise was carried out in accordance with its mission and functions as outlined 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).
Agomoh stated that the demolition exercise will not be limited to Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku but will extend throughout the state capital, and that the State Government is determined to rid the capital of defacing structures.
He dismissed claims that people’s property was destroyed without notice and advised other owners of shanties to voluntarily remove them.
Meanwhile, Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has denied reports that he was involved in the demolition of Afara residents’ property.
Emetu, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Cyril Eke Mba, denied the claims, claiming they were made up to incite public anger.