Ad Slot

Home
DOMESTIC

Lagos Apprehends 11 Additional Individuals Beneath Ikoyi Bridge in 86-Room Settlement, Charging Squatters N250,000 Annually

The Lagos State government recently announced the arrest of 11 additional individuals as part of ongoing efforts to clear illegal settlements under the bridge near Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi. 

This update was provided by Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, via a post on X on Wednesday.

Rotimi-Akodu detailed the conditions under the bridge, noting the use of flammable materials and potentially hazardous equipment by the squatters. "Continuation of the removal of the abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants use gas cylinders, some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster," he explained.

With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals detained over the illegal habitation under the bridge has reached 34. The first round of evictions and arrests was conducted by officials from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI, where 23 people were apprehended.

Rotimi-Akodu also shed light on the structure of the settlement, describing how the space had been divided into approximately 86 rooms, with squatters paying an average annual rent of N250,000 to reside there. "The bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10x10 and 12x10. Squatters there have been paying an average rent of N250k p.a," he mentioned.

The initial eviction operation was described in further detail: "Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI). These people created their own illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will definitely take its course," Rotimi-Akodu had stated earlier.

In a statement, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, underscored that the evictions are part of broader measures to enhance security across the state. He highlighted the risks posed by such squatter settlements, noting they present significant safety and security challenges.