The Ebonyi State Government has threatened to revoke the Certificates of Occupancy of undeveloped lands across Abakaliki and its environs.
Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on Capital Territory, disclosed this on Monday.
Okoro-Emegha said that the government was serious on the issue because such lands had become haven for the perpetration of crimes by hoodlums, among other practices that were inimical to societal well-being.
He said: “All lands within Abakaliki and environs must either be put to use, developed or the owners will stand the chance of forfeiting their C-of-O.
“The owners should use them for agricultural purposes or make them available to government for use to enhance its agricultural programmes.”
He also advised the residents of the town to keep their surroundings clean by properly disposing their refuse to ward-off diseases.
Okoro-Emegha added: “The state government has invested much to enhance the aesthetic nature of the state capital and the citizens should complement this effort by keeping their surroundings clean.”