Lagos To Demolish Over 100 Shanties Housing People Under Popular Adeniji Adele Bridge From Monday
The Lagos State Government announced plans to remove over 100 shanties housing numerous people at Adeniji Adele Underbridge starting Monday. The operation, involving operatives of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI/LAGESC) and officials from the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) department of the Ministry of Environment, will be conducted with security backup. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, advised shanty occupants to voluntarily vacate with their belongings before the enforcement operations commence on Monday. This enforcement action is described as a significant environmental and security operation.
Last Wednesday, the government confirmed the arrest of 11 more individuals linked to illegal habitation under a bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi. Special Assistant to the State Governor on Environment, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, highlighted the materials used in constructing the shelters, including wood, gas cylinders, and stored fuel for generators, which pose potential hazards. With these arrests, the total number of suspects apprehended over the illegal settlement under the bridge rose to 34.
Rotimi-Akodu previously announced the eviction and arrests carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, under the bridge. On Tuesday, 23 persons were arrested in connection with the illegal settlement. It was revealed that there were approximately 86 rooms housing squatters under the bridge, with an average annual rent of N250,000 paid by each squatter.
The eviction of squatters under the bridge leading to Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, occurred on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. These squatters had established an illegal settlement, posing a threat to critical infrastructure. A total of 23 persons were arrested during the operation, and the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with KAI, pledged to continue monitoring the area, ensuring compliance with the law.
Sahara Reporters
