70-yr-old man, family homeless as Lagos demolishes 120 shanties

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Bose Adelaja

A 70-year-old man, Sunday Eze, his wife and three children, were among hundreds of illegal squatters evicted from under Obalende Bridge and fly-overs by officials of Lagos State Government, weekend, after the expiration of 48 hours ultimatum given to those leaving and trading in the area.


Demolition in Obalende
During the demolition of the over 120 illegal structures, shanties and containerised shops around Obalende fly-over, it was gathered that over 74 miscreants, alleged to be involved in illicit smoking and selling of hard drugs in the area were arrested.

Chairman of Lagos State Task Force, Superintendent of Police, Olayinka Egbeyemi, said the exercise became necessary to rid the area of undesirable elements, who have been terrorising innocent citizens and blocking water channels.

Egbeyemi said: “48 hours ‘Abatement Notice’ was served on traders/occupiers of illegal structures, shanties and containerised shops by the agency around Obalende Fly-over, which expired last Thursday, Jul 27.

“But the government gave another 48 hours grace for them to remove their wares/belongings before the commencement of the demolition exercise yesterday.”

Egbeyemi added that activities of the illegal traders, mechanics and people living around/under the fly-over were an eyesore.

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