Isiyaku Ahmed
Plateau State Government has issued a final 48-hour ultimatum to all illegal occupants and squatters at the government-owned Gyartagere stone crushing site to vacate the premises or face enforcement.
The directive was contained in a public notice issued on Friday by the General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Arc. Hart Bankat.
According to the notice, the government had issued an earlier evacuation directive more than seven months ago, but instead of complying, some occupants allegedly intensified illegal construction activities at the site.
The JMDB warned that the continued occupation and development of the area pose serious security concerns and risk turning the government facility into an informal settlement.
The Board directed all affected persons to immediately stop further construction and vacate the site within 48 hours of receiving the notice, warning that any enforcement exercise would be carried out without compensation for damaged or lost property.
It, however, advised individuals with legitimate claims to approach the appropriate government office without delay for verification.
The notice stated that the latest directive supersedes all previous communications on the matter.
In a related development, the Plateau State Government also ordered the removal of all unapproved kiosks, canopies, umbrellas, makeshift stalls, car wash facilities, vehicle display stands, and other temporary structures erected along highway setbacks, roundabouts, and other reserved public spaces across the state.
Owners of the affected businesses have been given seven working days to vacate the locations.
The government urged the public to comply with the directive, warning that defaulters would be sanctioned in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
According to the JMDB, the exercise is aimed at restoring order, improving public safety, protecting public infrastructure, and maintaining environmental sanitation across Plateau State.
