…The illegal structures have become criminal hideouts – Residents allege
Joy Anyim
Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce), on Wednesday, issued a seven-day ‘Removal Notice’ to owners and occupants of illegal structures, mechanic workshops, containarised kiosks and commercial bus garages around Government Public Schools (Imoye High School and Amuwo Odofin Junior Secondary School), at Mile 2, Badagry Expressway, in the metropolis.
It was gathered that the ‘Removal Order’ became imperative following outcry by residents, particularly management of the Public Schools, that criminal elements have turned the area into hideouts and spots for carrying out their nefarious activities, thereby making the environment unpleasant for learning.
Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, who spoke on the notice at a gathering of illegal occupants, traders, mechanics and sectional heads of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Mile 2, warned that all should immediately vacate the entire area as well as the vicinity of the Schools within the stipulated period.
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According to him, “It was disheartening seeing these illegal business operators like mechanics, Iron benders, food/fruits vendors and others turning the entire perimeter fence of these schools into illegal trading spots. In addition they have littered the entire area with indiscriminate dumping of refuse and waste metal materials. “
Egbeyemi confirmed that investigation conducted revealed also that these illegal structures/shanties which serves as abode to criminal elements who rob unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables along highways on Lagos-Badagry Expressway, do not have any permit or operating license from the Lagos State Government.
He reiterated that on the expiration of the removal order, which will be on Tuesday, March 4, 2020, the Agency will embark on a clean-up exercise in the area as well as clampdown on all criminal elements.
CSP Egbeyemi, however, cautioned traders and occupants not to make financial contribution or bribe anyone in order to prevent or stop the removal order, stressing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has, on compassionate ground, approved monetary compensation for those who deserve it.
