By our reporter
Official hammer came for markets patronized by used item scavengers, popularly known as ‘panteka’, and their patrons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday, January 13, banned such commercial outlets for two weeks.
Scavenging was also banned anywhere within FCT.
He said the ban will become effective from Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Henceforth, any scavenger caught in the business faces being charged with attempted murder or economic sabotage, the Minister warned.
The Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed these in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Wike announced the ban at the FCT Security Council meeting.
The Minister restricted scavenging only to dumpsites.
Part of the post read: “Activities of all Pantekas (sellers of used items) have been banned for two weeks effective from tomorrow.
“Scavenging is banned within the Abuja city centre and its environs. Scavengers are now restricted to dump sites alone.
“All those arrested for vandalizing public infrastructure will be charged to court for economic sabotage and even attempted murder.”
