CITIZENS COMPASS— The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) on Sunday, said prevented what could have resulted in a major traffic gridlock along Lawani Street, off University Road,Yaba, where an entire lane of the roadway was illegally cordoned off for a private anniversary celebration.
The incident occurred today on Lawani Street, off University road, a critical alternative route currently serving as a support corridor due to ongoing road construction on an adjoining road. The unlawful occupation of one lane for a social gathering significantly impeded the free flow of vehicular movement and posed a serious inconvenience to commuters and other road users.
Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, immediately mobilised enforcement officers to the scene. Upon arrival, the operatives removed the illegal barricades and confiscated canopies, chairs, tables and other materials deployed to obstruct the public roadway, thereby restoring normal traffic flow.
Speaking on the operation, CSP Akerele condemned the growing practice of converting public roads into private event venues, stressing that no individual has the right to appropriate public infrastructure for personal celebrations at the expense of the general public.
He warned organisers of such unlawful gatherings and other individuals who deliberately obstruct roads for social events to desist from the act, advising them to utilise designated event centres or obtain the necessary approvals where applicable.
“Public roads are constructed for the benefit of all Lagosians and must not be converted into private event spaces. Anyone found obstructing traffic or blocking public roads for social activities will face the full weight of the law. We will not tolerate actions that disrupt public order or frustrate the daily livelihood of residents,” the Chairman stated.
CSP Akerele further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Agency by reporting through 09137555111 & 09138555111 or via the social media handles, activities capable of endangering public safety, obstructing road networks or degrading the environment.
He assured Lagosians that the Taskforce remains resolute in enforcing extant laws and maintaining order, safety and sanity across the metropolis in line with the vision of the Lagos State Government.
Meanwhile, the Agency impounded 309 commercial motorcycles operating illegally along the ECOWAS Road corridor and cleared the axis of traffic impediments, street trading, shanties, makeshift shops, kiosks, and other environmental nuisances that had become commonplace along the route.
The enforcement exercise, strategically executed by the Lagos State Taskforce and planned by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources with the support of the Lagos State Police Command, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of Lagos State. The operation is also aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate under the guise of illegal commercial activities, while supporting the State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and the efforts of the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, to tackle emerging security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality.
The exercise covered strategic locations along the ECOWAS Road, including Orile-Iganmu Bus Stop, Suuru-Alaba Bus Stop, Mile 2 Underbridge, Mazamaza Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Iyana-Ira, Abule-Ado, Alakija Bus Stop, Iyana-Iba, Alaba Rago, Old Ojo Road and Okoko Bus Stop, among other locations.
