Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, Olayinka Egbeyemi, who led the demolition squad, confirmed the number of demolished structures, adding “most of the demolished illegal shanties were criminal hideouts where they freely smoke Indian hemp, carry out rape, robbery, prostitution, among other nefarious activities.”
According to him, the exercise became necessary following series of petitions and complaints from innocent members of the public and residents over the illegal activities of those criminals around Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.
Egbeyemi said government would not fold its arm and watch criminals destroy huge investment already expended on infrastructure development across the state.
“As a state emerging into the status of a Mega City, illegal activities perpetuated by criminals/hoodlums around these areas could negatively discourage both foreign and local investors,” he stated.
According to one of the residents, who identified himself as Engr. Damilola Okanlawon, the exercise carried out by government was long overdue.
He said that criminals and hoodlums living around Jakande Estate always robbed and attacked innocent residents at night with dangerous weapons.
Also, a trader, whose illegal shanties were affected in the exercise, Mrs. Ene Ada, from Benue State, said that since the government served them ‘Removal Order’ and ‘Demolition Notice,’ she had removed her wares and relocated to another area.
“Those criminals and hoodlums had burgled my shops trice within six months this year and carted away goods and property worth several thousands in the process,” she narrated.
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