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In a sting operation conducted by the Lagos State Taskforce in the early hours of Friday, over 50 illegal structures, including shanties and makeshift dwellings, were demolished along Agungi Ajiran Road in the Lekki area of the state.
Speaking at the scene of the operation, the Chairman of the agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Adetayo Akerele, stated that it was part of measures to restore sanity and decorum across various parts of the metropolis in line with the THEMES PLUS Agenda of the present State government.
Akerele explained that the occupants of all illegal structures in the area were earlier served eviction notices two weeks ago but were adamant to vacate the area.
According to him, “Over the years, residents have raised complaints about the increasing illegal activities within the shanties, which contributed to environmental degradation, posing security risk, and disruption of peace of the neighbourhood.
“Despite several notices served to the occupants, they still remained defiant and refused to vacate the area. We have removed over 50 of illegal structures this morning.”
Akerele stated that the illegal structures not only deface the well planned out residential area but also goes against the physical planning of State Government along Lekki-Epe axis.
“Their continued presence here has become a serious cause for concern that’s why our efforts demonstrate the State Government’s commitment to ensuring residential areas remain safe and habitable,” he stated.
Akere therefore, assured residents that the exercise would continue indefinitely as more shanties scattered along other parts of Lekki axis have been served removal notices.
He appealed to the occupants to vacate the shanties and pull down any form of illegal structures in those area or risk having them forcefully demolished by the agency.
"I urge residents to report any suspicious activities to the agency through our feedback channels, so we can address these irregularities that have persisted over time. If you notice something, please speak up." He said
