Security: Ogun begins demolition of shanties along Lagos─Ibadan Expressway

*The Ogun State Government of Nigeria says it has begun the demolition of shanties illegally erected on setbacks along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to prevent criminals disguising as traders from perpetrating their nefarious activities, and safeguard citizens’ lives and property

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Ogun State Government (OGSG) has begun the demolition of shanties illegally erected on setbacks along the popular Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, thereby constituting environmental nuisances along that corridor in South-West Nigeria.

Mr. Farook Akintunde, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor (Prince) Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Environment, while flagging of the demolition exercise at the Kara, OPIC axis in Isheri, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state, said the state government had embarked on the demolition after several warnings and abatement notices served to the owners of the shanties in the affected area.

Governor (Prince) Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State

The governor’s aide said that notices to the affected people, who are mostly traders to vacate all the road setbacks and move to formally recognised markets, had proved abortive before the authorities activated the demolition enforcement.

Akintunde also said: “The state government will not fold its arms and watch these shanties deface the aesthetic beauty of the state which is  the gateway to many states of the federation.

“These structure are not only an eyesore,they harbour criminals who disguise as traders during daytime but perpetuate their nefarious activities in the night”

According to him, “aside from these, the genuine traders among them sell in filthy environment, which breeds rodents and vectors which have adverse health implications on those that patronise them, especially unsuspecting commuters to the state who desire to have quick-fix meals.”

Akintunde, therefore, advised genuine traders among the lot to move to officially   recognised markets which have enough spaces to accommodate them.

The Ogun State Government is desirous of not only destroying shanties in the Lagos─Ibadan Expressway axism but throughout the state as all road setbacks in the state will soon wear new look befitting the status of the “Gateway State”, stated he.

Akintunde further warned that anyone of the affected individuals caught re-erecting his or her shanties in the cleared areas will face the wrath of the law.

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