By Nchetachi Chukuwajah
Reactions have trailed the demolition of illegal shanties around the Ijora, Apapa Road and Costain bridges, Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Friday, October 31.
In their reactions across various social media platforms, citizens commended the government’s action and urged it to ensure the spaces are put into good use to avoid re-encroachment.
The government said the demolition exercise, coordinated by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, was aimed at curbing crime and restoring environmental order in the areas.
The shanties, it was observed, were erected behind the bus stop shed, along the setback on the railway track, and under the bridge within the area.
Giwa, speaking with journalists at the scene of the operation, disclosed that the space occupied by the illegal squatters was designated as a bus park.
He noted that the demolition was carried out to relocate commercial vehicles that ply the area to the reclaimed space and to prevent obstruction on the expressway.
The government aide also disclosed that a wooden AK-47 dummy gun and other firearms were discovered in one of the shanties during the demolition, adding that such could have been used to perpetrate criminal activities.
“When we cleared the Costain under bridge last week, we intended to relocate the commercial vehicles here which was the designated area for them. But when we got here, we realised that the bus stop and the lay-by built for commercial buses had been taken over. As a responsive government, what we have to do is take them out.
“What we are trying to emphasise is that there must be law and order. If we want to have a society that works, everyone must obey the law,” he said.
Giwa further noted that the demolition of shanties that could impede traffic management in the state would be a continuous exercise, while warning individuals planning to relocate to Lagos to make adequate preparations for accommodation.
The operation was jointly carried out by the police, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
Meanwhile, occupants of the shanties have appealed to the state government to support them in cushioning the impact of the demolition, adding that the economic downturn had forced them to live in the makeshift structures.
Reacting to the news of demolition, Nigerians across various social media platforms commended the government’s action, saying it will bring much-needed sanity and rid the areas of criminal elements.
They also urged the government to ensure the spaces are put in use to avoid re-encroachment, even as others appealed to the government to support those affected by the demolition.
In a comment, a Facebook user, Dozie Fontana, said, “This same area was cordoned off some few years back. One problem with the statement is knowing what to do after clearing the mess. Those people will eventually return gradually.”
Another user, GodSent Austin Ekene, said, “Nice one by the government. I know this will bring sanity to those areas, however, some of this people didn’t choose to live there by their own free will. I believe it’s lack of job and high cost of housing in Lagos, which is a failure on the part of the government also.
“To solve this problem from ever happening again, government should do more for its citizens by providing good job with a living wage, not minimum wage and also low housing cost.”
John Bizznessman Adeleye said, “This is a welcome development. Nobody should be allowed to sleep under the bridge because most of them are just using the venue to perpetrate evil at night.”
Omotayo Hassan added, “Giving LASG 100 on this exercise. Costain is a dangerous zone.”
An X user, @OjogbedeSanmi, said, “A healthy environment makes a healthy life for the citizens. The illegal markets at various bus stops within Lagos metropolis impede the free flow of traffic especially at peak period. Kudos to SA to Mr governor on transport and team of LASTMA doing this laudable job.”
@zukifrank wrote, “They will come back. Give it time.”
