Lagos Clears Ikoyi Bridge of Squatters, Detains 23 persons

The Lagos State Government has enforced the eviction of individuals squatting under a bridge leading to Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi, citing illegal settlement and environmental concerns. 

Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that the operation, conducted by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, resulted in 23 arrests. The action took place on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Rotimi-Akodu explained, "The individuals had established an unauthorized settlement beneath the bridge, jeopardizing the structural integrity of this critical infrastructure. The Ministry of Environment and KAI will maintain surveillance to prevent reoccurrence, and legal proceedings will follow for those arrested."

Further supporting the state government's stance, Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, stated that the eviction aligns with efforts to enhance safety and security statewide. He pointed out that the presence of squatters poses significant safety and security risks.

Additionally, on the following day, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, confirmed that 18 individuals were detained during the operation. He noted that the illegal shanties were dismantled on Wednesday morning.

This intervention underscores the government's commitment to enforcing environmental laws and regulations while addressing security challenges associated with unauthorized settlements in urban areas. The state's proactive measures aim to preserve infrastructure integrity and uphold public safety standards.