Lagos Task Force demolishes illegal structures at Mile 2

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) have demolished illegal structures during an over-night enforcement at Mile 2, along the Lagos- Badagry Expressway in Lagos State.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, said this in a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs Unit, Mr Adebayo Taofik, and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Monday.
Egbeyemi said that the illegal structures comprising of shanties, mechanic workshops, kiosks and commercial bus garages around two Government Schools in Mile 2 were demolished by the task force.
Egbeyemi said that the agency had earlier issued a seven-day ‘Removal Notice’ to occupants of the structures to vacate the entire area as well as the vicinity of the schools.
“The removal exercise is sequel to numerous complaints and petitions by residents, particularly the management of the Public Schools; Imoye High School and Amuwo Odofin Junior Secondary School.
“They had lodged complaints to the task force office that criminal elements had turned the area into hideouts for carrying out their nefarious activities.
“Such is making the environment unpleasant for living or learning,” the chairman said.
Egbeyemi said that the illegal structures were also identified as harbouring criminal elements who rob unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables.
He said that they also served as outlets for the sales of illegal and illicit drugs.
“Lagos State is the economic heartbeat of Nigeria. As such, the zero tolerance for all forms of crimes and criminality by the present administration will be sustained.
“Therefore, I implore all occupants of illegal structures and shanties around public schools across the state to, immediately, remove them before the exercise reaches their various areas.
“Anyone caught will be seriously dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
The chairman said that the agency also had commenced the verification of the claims by those affected by the demolition exercise.
Egbeyemi, however, said that those affected and have legal documentations would be paid compensation that would be approved by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.