Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, on Friday warned agencies against blanket marking of buildings and neighborhoods for demolition.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media and Publicity by Samuel Aruwan also disclosed that “there will be no blanket marking of buildings, neighborhoods and layouts.”

In addition, the statement clarified that local government councils have no role in the land recovery process beyond gathering and forwarding relevant information to the appropriate agencies.

He said that clear directives on the land recovery exercise have been issued, and that the government has reminded the agencies involved in the exercise to comply strictly with the instructions.

He assured the general public that there is nothing to fear from the ongoing effort land recovery efforts.

The statement explained that, all cases of encroachment on lands of public institutions such as schools and hospitals will be handled by government on a case-by-case basis.

Aruwan’s statement added that:

“The Kaduna State Government has announced its determination to recover lands belonging to public institutions. This applies to lands that have been illegally excised, carved-out or alienated in a manner that contradicts the security, orderly environment and expansion prospects of the affected schools, hospitals and other public institutions.

“In restoring the integrity of these lands, the Government has taken steps to ensure that the recovery exercise is conducted in a fair and orderly manner that upholds public interest and conduces to social harmony.

“Therefore all agencies involved in the implementation of the land recovery exercise must note and abide by these considerations:

There will be no marking of buildings or plots, or the delivery of stop-work or recovery notices until proper surveys and assessment of maps have established the boundaries of the affected institutions, and the extent of the encroachments they have suffered.

The governor’s written approval must be obtained before any action is undertaken to initiate recovery processes based on the surveys and maps showing these encroachments.

“Approvals for necessary action will not be granted except it is evident that the layouts containing the excisions are illegal or irregular, and are clearly inimical to the purpose of the affected institutions in such a manner that cannot be prudently remedied.

“Where the boundaries that have survived encroachment are considered sufficient for the functioning of these public institutions, other actions short of recovery will be taken on the encroached lands.

“Due notice must be taken of the historic nature of the encroachments, and the longevity of some of the buildings and layouts that are a result of encroachment but are longstanding, and do not manifestly impede the safe and smooth running of the affected public institutions.

“There must be no blanket marking of any neighborhood, layout or community just on account of proximity to the historic boundaries of public institutions.

“Clear procedures for establishing the validity of title and development approvals for buildings must be established and respected.

“Local government councils are to note that they have no role in the land recovery exercise, beyond gathering and forwarding information to KASUPDA, which is the mandate agency for town planning and enforcement.

“Government directs scrupulous compliance with these instructions in implementing the land recovery exercise.”

Aruwan stated that the government appreciated the understanding and support of the general public for the land recovery exercise.

Citizens, he stated, are encouraged to remain engaged, “and to report any fears and concerns about the land recovery exercise to the government. Reports and complaints should be forwarded to the following contact number: 08037974265.”

•Photo shows Gov. El-Rufai