Traders count losses as FCT taskforce demolishes Yahuza suya spot, others

Traders and workers at the Yahuza Suya outlet near the National Mosque in Abuja are facing significant financial losses after the demolition of their stalls on Wednesday. Some affected traders claim the demolition was carried out by officials from the Federal Capital Territory Development Control Department without prior notice, arriving with heavy machinery and security personnel.

The affected structures include the Yahuza Suya outlet, River Plate, and Hadiza Balangu. Traders were given only five minutes to remove their belongings before the demolition commenced, leaving them with little time to collect their possessions, such as refrigerators and perishable food items. One affected trader, Gambo Musa, alleged that the officials arrived with weapons and tear gas, pushing the traders aside as they demolished the structures.

Musa claimed that the short notice left many items behind and appealed for government consideration of the impact on the workers and their families, noting that the suya business provides employment for over 100 people. Another worker, Umar Bello, an assistant accountant, said the officials did not explain the reason for the demolition or identify the authority responsible, suggesting that a reasonable notice period would have facilitated compliance.

A foreign businesswoman, Ayisa Natalia, who has operated her business at the location for years, said she was informed of the demolition at around 8 am and managed to stay just in time to remove her belongings. She praised the owner for supporting many people through the business and called on authorities to consider the livelihoods of those dependent on the location.

Other affected workers, including Aliyu Idris, alleged the demolition was carried out by the FCT Development Control Department with the help of a bulldozer. Idris emphasized that the business supports numerous workers and small enterprises around the premises and appealed to the government to allow the business to continue, citing the potential disruption to young people's livelihoods.

The chairman of the Yahuza Chicken Sellers Association of Nigeria, Shittu Danladi, expressed concern over the demolition, describing it as a major setback for traders under the Yahuza brand. Danladi noted that the demolished branch employed more than 150 people and appealed for adequate notice before demolition. The government's authority behind the demolition and the official reason for the exercise remain unclear, with traders awaiting clarification and requesting alternative arrangements to support their affected businesses and workers.