Yesterday, the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental Offences embarked on a demolition exercise to remove shanties erected on the Lekki Coastal Road and surrounding areas in Lagos state. The state government had earlier indicated that the coastal road was to be an alternate route for motorists in the area when it was completed.
The demolition exercise, led by Shola Jejeloye, the agency’s Chairman, came after an eviction notice had been served to the illegal occupants who had constructed makeshift structures in the area, some of which were built under high-tension cables running through the area.
Jejeloye stated that the state government had previously identified the huts and that they had become a haven for criminals to hide and carry out their illegal activities. He further explained that removing the huts was necessary to curb criminal activities in the area and ensure that the coastal road could be developed as planned.
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The demolition exercise is part of the state government’s efforts to ensure that residents of Lagos are safe and that the state’s infrastructure is developed to improve the lives of citizens.
He said: “This is the third major enforcement we are carrying out in this very location as we were here two years ago and even last year.
“Some of the kiosks are built under the high tension cable, which is dangerous.
“It would have been a more serious incident if not for the quick intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service, who put out the fire, which started off from the shanties.
“Gross disregard for safety precautions would always give room to unsafe conditions. That is why we have to put an end to it.
“We will not rest on our oars till criminality is stamped out and the environment is free from activities that could lead to avoidable loss of lives and property.”
