- Issues 7 days removal order to occupants
The Lagos State government has issued a 7-day ‘Removal Notice’ to owners and occupants of illegal structures around government public schools at Mile 2, along Badagry Expressway and its environs.
The order was issued on Wednesday by the Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Unit.
The illegal structures include shanties, mechanic
workshops, petty traders, containarised kiosks and commercial bus garages.
Chairman of the agency, Chief Superintendent
of Police (CSP) Olayinka Egbeyemi, issued the ultimatum during a meeting with
affected owners, occupants and sectional heads of the National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW).
Egbeyemi warned the concerned occupants to
immediately vacate the entire area as well as the vicinity of the schools
within the stipulated period or face demolition of their structures.
He said the ‘Removal Order’ became imperative following
outcry by concerned residents, particularly as regards a public schools – Imoye
High School and Amuwo Odofin Junior Secondary School – where criminal elements
have reportedly turned into hideouts for carrying out their nefarious
activities thereby making the environment unpleasant for learning.
According to him, “It is 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 refuse and waste metal materials posing serious health hazards to residents.” According to Egbeyemi, investigation conducted revealed that those illegal structures/shanties which serve 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 state government.
He reiterated that, immediately after the expiration of the ‘Removal Order’ on Tuesday, 4th of March, 2020, the agency will embark on a clean-up exercise in the area as well as clampdown on all criminal elements.
Egbeyemi, however, cautioned traders and occupants not to
attempt circumventing the removal order, by trying to bribe officials in order
to prevent or stop enforcement, stressing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has,
on compassionate ground, has approved monetary compensation for those who
deserve it.
He however did not say anything about the okada riders still crowding the road
in the neighbourhood.