Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has ordered the immediate revocation of illegal allocations of government-owned market land in Yola, citing breaches of due process and established land administration laws.
The directive followed reports that portions of the state-owned market were unlawfully allocated by unauthorized individuals without statutory approval, proper documentation, or remittance of proceeds into the state treasury.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, said the actions amounted to clear violations of the Land Use Act, the Adamawa State Urban Planning Development Authority (ASUPDA) Law, and other extant regulations governing land administration in the state.
The governor directed ASUPDA to immediately move in, take possession of the affected market areas, and begin the process of reclaiming all illegally allocated parcels of land.
He also ordered all illegal occupants to vacate the premises without delay, warning that failure to comply would lead to forced eviction and prosecution for criminal trespass.
Fintiri further issued a stern warning to government officials and civil servants allegedly involved in facilitating or benefiting from the unlawful allocation or sale of government land.
He said any officer found culpable would be thoroughly investigated, dismissed from service, and prosecuted, stressing that public office is a position of trust that must not be abused.
According to the statement, “Fintiri cautioned unsuspecting residents and traders to desist from buying, leasing, or taking possession of land from individuals, groups, or syndicates not duly authorized by the Ministry of Lands and Survey and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
‘Let it be clear: any transaction on government land that does not pass through the approved channels is null and void. Buyers risk forfeiting both the land and their money, as government will not pay compensation to victims of fraud. Always verify allocations with the relevant ministries before making payments.’”
Fintiri added that the enforcement action was necessary to safeguard public assets, promote proper urban planning, protect government revenue, and restore order within the state’s commercial markets. He reaffirmed that the directive takes immediate effect.