In an exercise led by Farouk Akintunde, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, the Ogun State Government initiated the demolition of shanties and makeshift structures erected under bridges and in public spaces across the state.
News About Nigeria reports that the demolition follows the expiration of notices issued to the traders occupying these areas.
According to Akintunde, the demolition was necessary as the shanties had become hideouts for criminals, leading to increased insecurity in the state.
“We have issued them a notice since last year, but they refused to leave. The notice has expired. That is why we are here to demolish all makeshift, shanties, and illegal structures. These shanties have become a hideout for criminal elements, and the government won’t tolerate such. It is a continuous exercise,” he said.
The demolition has already been carried out in the Panseke, Kuto, and Nwarudeen areas of Abeokuta South Local Government Area.
In a related development, the Oyo State Government began a demolition exercise at the Ojoo market in the Akinyele Local Government Area, leading to the destruction of numerous shops and kiosks last Thursday.
Reports indicate that the State Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development had previously served the traders with a quit notice, urging them to vacate the market premises.
Despite the notice, the traders remained, prompting the government to proceed with the demolition.
Muhdeen Ganiyu, the chairman of the market known as Elewedu, expressed concern over the short notice given to vacate the premises.
He stated that the executive members would convene a meeting to address the situation following the demolition.
Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, confirmed the demolition and revealed that Governor Seyi Makinde had personally addressed the traders during his visit to the site.
Akin-Funmilayo assured that the government would provide an alternative location for the affected traders.
