The Lagos State Government initiated the demolition of over 100 shanties, housing illegal squatters at Adeniji Adele Underbridge on Monday as part of an ongoing clean-up exercise across bridges in the state.
This action follows the recent enforcement of a clean-up exercise of underbridges across the metropolis, including areas such as Ijora, Apongbon, Obalende, and Dolphin, where several illegal squatters were evicted.
On Sunday, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, announced plans to begin the removal of shanties around Adeji-Adele.
The demolition became necessary after a 48-hour removal notice expired, which was served on all occupants of the shanties to vacate with their belongings.
Early on Monday, operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI/LAGESC) and officials from the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) department of the ministry, supported by armed security personnel, commenced the demolition.
Major Olaniyi Cole (retd), the KAI Marshal, confirmed that the removal exercise began around 9:30 am without any resistance from the illegal squatters.
At the time of filing this report, KAI officials and other enforcement teams were observed removing some structures while affected squatters salvaged their property during the process.
“Our major challenge here is the number of livestock shelves we have to remove. They are numbering hundreds. One wonders how they got here in the first place.” Major Cole said.