Abuja Tears flow as FCT Task Force destroy shops in Utako Village [Photos]

Officials of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Task Force destroyed shops and goods belonging

to individuals in Utako Village on Friday, June 17, 2016.

According to one of the affected traders who identified himself as Haliru Maigari, the officials arrived the area in company of armed security men.

play Traders in shock as their shops were burnt by officials of the FCT Task Force at Utako Village, Abuja (Pulse)

Maigari who spoke in smattering English said some trader escaped with their wares while the security officials accosted others, collected their goods and burnt them.

"They just came and started gathering our things, pured fuel and burnt them. That is my goods burniing. My brother borrowed me money to start this business. I have been paying him installmentally. Well, I live them for God," he said while crying.

play Traders in shock as their shops were burnt by officials of the FCT Task Force at Utako Village, Abuja (Pulse)

An official who craved anonymity told Pulse.ng that the move was part of activities to reduce traffic gridlock in the area, discourage street trading and maintain the status of Abuja as Nigeria's capital city. He maintained that the traders were given a two weeks notice before the clampdown.

play FCT Task Force destroy shops in Utako Village (Pulse)

READ: In Abuja: Court sacks Rep member over illegal primary election

"We told them them that we will come in two weeks time. It was exactly two weeks on Monday but we came today which is Friday. The FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello has said all traders should display their wares in designated places. Abuja is the federal capital and we have to maintain that," he said.

play Remains of properties destroyed in Utako Village (Pulse)

Meanwhile, residents of Apo Resettlement in Zone B area of Abuja have frowned at the high electricity charges introduced by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).