By Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe
The Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA), under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Alhaji Bappayo Samanja Maudo (Turaki Babba of Gombe), has carried out a demolition exercise in Shongo Area near the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate, adjacent to Government Science Secondary School (Science II).
The operation targeted illegal structures encroaching on land legally belonging to the school. All unauthorized buildings and a recently laid foundation were cleared by the GOSUPDA team.
While supervising the exercise, the Executive Chairman reiterated his stance against all forms of encroachment on government property and public right of way.
He issued a stern warning to trespassers to desist from such actions, stating that GOSUPDA is fully committed to maintaining order and ensuring that urban development in Gombe follows approved plans and regulations.
At the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, the GOSUPDA team also discovered that several investors had begun construction without securing the necessary building approvals.
The Chairman directed his officers to issue invitation letters to all site engineers and supervisors working on-site. A second “Stop and Report” notice was also served and posted on the walls of the affected structures — this being the second time GOSUPDA is visiting the location.
Alhaji Bappayo noted that the Authority had initially visited the industrial park at the end of December 2024 and found non-compliance. He emphasized that this second warning represents another opportunity for investors to correct their actions, adding that if violations persist, partial demolition may be considered as a final step. Some of the ongoing constructions include large-scale rice processing facilities, among other factory buildings.
The GOSUPDA Chairman advised site engineers to adhere strictly to due process by paying all relevant dues to the Gombe State Government and obtaining legitimate approvals before commencing any form of construction. He stressed the importance of compliance, particularly in investment-related infrastructure.
Taking the opportunity to address a broader audience, Alhaji Bappayo passionately appealed to all investors and contractors, both within and outside the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, to ensure that their site engineers visit GOSUPDA with detailed building plans for proper documentation and approval before initiating construction. “This is the right and lawful approach for any investor engaging in infrastructure projects in the state”, he highlighted.
He further noted that His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, is working tirelessly to attract investment and make Gombe State a business-friendly environment for both domestic and foreign investors.
“Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park is the first of its kind in the North-East and ranks among the best in the country. It is essential that every investment within this hub is properly documented and compliant from the outset. Investors must avoid shortcuts and work in line with government procedures,” he stated.
Following the inspection at the park, the Chairman proceeded to Dadin Kowa town, where he reviewed ongoing developments and urban progress within the community.