- By Kamil Opeyemi
Hundreds of owners of illegal structures were caught unaware Saturday morning as the Lagos State Task Force on environment stormed the Fagba Railway line area in the suburb of the state setting them ablaze.
NPO Reports that a second hand goods market which lies parallel to the railway line was completely destroyed as the task force men set them on fire.
NPO Reports learnt that quit notices had been given to the illegal occupants of the areas as they constitute environmental hazards to the entire neighbourhoods.
The area is also seen to harbour lots of criminality as many hoodlums find safety in being accommodated in parts of the shanties.
A shop owner around the area who spoke with the NPO Reports said no one was allowed any time to pack anything as they said the government had given enough quit notice.
He however said the government was not to be blamed because many criminal are being harboured in the area.
“It is a pity to those of us in genuine businesses here. Those hoodlums especially people you are not even sure whether they are Nigerians or foreigners have made life unbearable. You cannot pass near the railway line anytime from 7pm without fears of being attacked,” the shop owner, who identified himself as Sanusi Maruf said in an interview.
A former business owner in the area who pleaded not to be named said very good businesses find it hard to survive in the neighbourhood because of the activities of the hoodlums.
“They turned Fagba into a jungle overnight. Traffic bedlam. The okada riders park anywhere and anyhow and no one can control them. They drive against traffic all the time and they even attack car owners for not leaving the road for them. I suggest that the government does not stop at clearing Fagba of illegal structures alone, they should go ahead to ensure that those hundreds of young men whose identities you cannot ascertain leave that place. They are dangerous,” he said.
More details later…