The FCT Administration is intensifying sensitisation and consultation with village chiefs and residents of Mpape where 10,288 illegal structures have been marked for demolition.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by Muhammad Sule, the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed.

The statement said the minister welcomed a court pronouncement on Aug. 5 on the impending Mpape demolition, and urged the affected residents to show understanding.

It said the Administration would uphold the rule of law in consonance with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

"It is gratifying that the court has justified the mandate of the FCT Administration for such action thus far."

The statement appealed to the residents to cooperate with the administration "as demolitions are carried out in the interest of the people".

It said the exercise was not intended to inflict hardship on the residents, adding that the sustained health as well as security of the collective populace was of paramount concern to the administration.

The statement also said that apart from safeguarding the Abuja Master Plan, "demolitions are usually carried out for sanitary and security reasons because threats in these areas have to be nipped in the bud".

It said that the FCT administration had sealed 10 properties violating the Abuja Master Plan, and cleaned up posters under the overhead bridges and other locations in and around the city.