LASEPA parades 94 suspected criminals on Agege rail corridor
By Samuel Omotere
The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 94 suspected miscreants, who are part of the illegal occupants and squatters dislodged from shanties on the railway corridor from Pen Cinema to Fagba axis of the state.
These 94 persons were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday for frustrating the efforts of the agency operatives, who were clearing about 25 kilometres corridor distance of illegal shanties and makeshift buildings for violating environmental and sanitary laws.
According to a statement released by the Taskforce spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem on Wednesday, these suspected miscreants will be charged to court for disturbing their operations.
Abdulraheem said complaints were made about the squatters activities at the corridor, which is a threat to the environment and security. He stated that the action was taken to relieve residents and train passengers at Fagba, Agege, and Pen Cinema railway routes.
He also revealed that the operation was monitored by the Agency Chairman, Adetayo Akerele, who took the railway corridor occupants by surprise. He also said hard drugs and weapons were recovered during the raid.
“The Chairman further noted that the presence of squatters along the rail corridor is not only unhealthy but also hazardous. He issued a warning to the ejected squatters not to return to the rail corridor, which was designed solely for the passage of trains.
“Some of the recalcitrant squatters attempted to resist the Agency’s actions; however, 94 of them were arrested and will be charged to court promptly.”
In the statement, the Chairman, Akerele also promised that there will be frequent patrols and surveillance on the corridor to ensure the ejected squatters do not return there. He also threatened to arrest and prosecute any individual that make such attempt.
He said, “The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law.”
