In a decisive move aimed at protecting public assets and restoring order in land administration, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state has ordered the immediate revocation of all illegal allocations of portions of the Red Brick Market land along Numan road.
The governor’s directive follows reports that parts of the government-owned market were unlawfully allocated to traders and private individuals by unauthorized persons without official approval, due process, or remittance of proceeds to the state treasury.
The development has raised concerns over the growing trend of illegal transactions involving public land, particularly in commercial areas where land values continue to rise.
According to governor Fintiri, investigations revealed that the allocations violated provisions of the Land Use Act, the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority (ASUPDA) Law, and established government regulations governing the management and allocation of public property.
As part of immediate measures to recover the land, the governor directed the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority (ASUPDA) to take full possession of the affected areas and commence reclamation of all illegally allocated plots.
He further ordered all unauthorized occupants to vacate the property immediately, warning that defaulters would face forceful eviction and prosecution for criminal trespass.
The action signals a renewed crackdown by the state government on illegal land dealings and unauthorized occupation of public property.
Governor Fintiri also issued a strong warning to government officials and civil servants who may be involved in facilitating illegal allocations or sales of government land. He stressed that any official found culpable would be subjected to investigation and, if found guilty, face dismissal from service and prosecution.
“Public office is a trust, and this administration has zero tolerance for abuse of that trust,” the governor declared.
Observers say the warning underscores the administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in public service, particularly in areas relating to land management and revenue generation.
The governor also advised residents, investors, and traders to exercise caution when acquiring land, urging them to verify all transactions through the Ministry of Lands and Survey and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
He emphasized that any transaction involving government land that does not pass through approved government channels remains invalid and unenforceable.
According to him, individuals who purchase land from unauthorized persons do so at their own risk, as the government will not compensate victims of fraudulent transactions involving public property.
The Red Brick Market, strategically located along the busy Numan Road corridor, remains one of the state’s important commercial assets. Analysts believe the government’s intervention is intended not only to recover public property but also to ensure orderly urban development, prevent revenue leakages, and protect legitimate business activities within designated market areas.
Governor Fintiri said the decision became necessary to safeguard public assets, strengthen urban planning regulations, improve government revenue collection, and restore order in markets across the state.
The latest directive takes immediate effect and is expected to trigger enforcement actions by relevant government agencies in the coming days as authorities move to reclaim the affected portions of the market and investigate those behind the illegal allocations.