Lagos taskforce clamps down on street traders, clears Ikeja roads

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Taskforce has dislodged illegal street traders from major roads in Ikeja, including Alade Avenue, Orishe Street, and Johnson Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, in a bid to maintain environmental decorum and uphold the state’s Mega City status.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by Director of Press & Public Affairs for the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.

The taskforce, led by Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele, carried out a two-day raid, removing traders who had converted sidewalks into makeshift markets and restaurants, causing traffic disruptions and environmental pollution.

Akerele described the raids as a necessary step for public welfare, saying, “These locations serve as safe havens for criminals who benefit from their illicit activities.”

He noted that the activities of street traders, particularly at Johnson Street during the night, were unacceptable, saying, “They sell drugs indiscriminately, which is detrimental to society and contributes significantly to traffic congestion.”

Akerele assured that the Agency would collaborate with other relevant agencies to ensure environmental preservation and urged recalcitrant street traders to relocate to designated trading areas.