Lagos State demolishes shanties in Obalende

The Lagos government on Saturday started the demolition of illegal structures and shanties in the Obalende area of the state.

Some occupants of the area were left in tears after a team of task force began pulling down the illegal structures.

The task force said a 48-hour notice was given but the occupants claimed that the ultimatum was “too short”.

Olayinka Egbeyemi, the chairman of Lagos state task force on environment, had told the occupants of government’s plan to demolish the illegal structures in the area when he visited the area on Monday.

While declaring that everyone under the bridge was there illegally, Egbeyemi said the state government had resolved that no bridge would be a hideout for criminals and illegal activities.

“We don’t want to arrest or carry people’s property away, hence, 48 hours grace is given to them to move on their own or they will be forced to do so,” he had said.

Churches, mosques, stands for food vendors were amongst the structures affected by the demolition.

Credit: thecable.ng