By Christopher Oji
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) yesterday, served squatters at Adewale Kolawale Street, Lekki coastal road and its environs a five-day removal notice of all illegal structures and shanties in the area.
Chairman of the agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, advised the owners of the illegal structures, makeshift buildings, and shanties, to immediately remove them as well as vacate the area within the stipulated date given to them by the State Government.
CSP Jejeloye, while appealing to traders, food vendors, and other squatters living unhygienically in clusters, noted that the government would enforce the removal notice on April 25, 2023.
He disclosed that the ‘Removal Notice’ became necessary in view of the rising incidence of pollution and most importantly a fire outbreak, which occurred there three days ago, which almost led to the destruction of buildings on the other side of the street.
According to him, the State Government is worried by the squalid environment, which could also serve as hideouts for criminals who pose security threat to residents in the area and Lagosians at large.
Jejeloye added that the State Government is committed to reducing crime to the barest minimum through clearing out of criminal hideouts and also ensure that the environment is safe, serene and habitable for all concerned.