Tension is mounting across four major residential estates in Karsana District, Abuja, following the controversial approval of a temporary market within estate boundaries by departments of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Residents of Mabglobal Estate, Ipent 7, Efab Metropolitan and Efab Queens expressed fear and confusion after individuals were seen marking out spaces for market stalls inside the estates’ perimeter fences earlier this week.
The affected communities, located along the Dawaki–Karsana road corridor, have long battled the proliferation of illegal markets, shanties and drug dens. For years, they relied on the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to clear such structures due to security concerns.
Under the leadership of the immediate past Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, illegal markets and shanties around the estates were repeatedly demolished, restoring relative calm. Galadima retired late in 2025.
Residents say the situation changed abruptly on Monday when unidentified persons arrived with security operatives to demarcate areas for a new market, triggering near confrontations with estate security personnel.
When challenged, the group reportedly presented a letter approving the establishment of an “informal market,” allegedly issued by the Department of Urban Affairs under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).
The approval letter, dated August 20, 2025, with reference number AMMC/ADM/UA/1455, was reportedly signed by the Acting Director of Urban Affairs, Abubakar A. Makama. It granted Fasaha and Sons Global Services Nigeria Limited permission to operate a temporary market near Mabglobal and Queen Estate in Karsana.
The letter stated that since the applicant had completed required payments and was “already on ground,” operations could continue pending the issuance of a formal permit.
However, Vanguard checks revealed that following the demolition of the previous illegal market, no new construction occurred at the site until the letter resurfaced recently.
Residents insist the approval contradicts earlier engagements with FCDA officials. In a joint statement signed by Pharmacist Frederick Okonkwo, President of Mabglobal Estate Association, and Mr Chibuzor Ogbonnaya, Secretary General, the community recalled a 2023 meeting where the proposed relocation of traders to the estate perimeter was unanimously rejected.
According to the residents, the proposal was considered premature, unsafe and a direct threat to security, especially given rising concerns over criminal activities linked to informal markets.
They noted that only weeks earlier, FCDA officials had dismantled a nearby shanty, an action the community welcomed as a step toward improved safety.
“We are baffled and deeply worried that an arrangement previously rejected due to security risks is now being approved,” the statement said.
The residents warned that makeshift markets often become hubs for drug peddling, robbery and other criminal activities, urging the FCT Minister and relevant authorities to urgently halt the development.
They appealed for immediate intervention to preserve peace and protect lives and property within the estates.
