Lagos Orders Immediate Dislodgement of Squatters Under Opebi-Mende Bridge

 

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate dislodgement of all squatters and illegal occupants who have converted spaces beneath the newly constructed Opebi–Mende Bridge into makeshift homes and shops.

The directive followed an unscheduled inspection visit on Thursday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, and the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olatokunbo Oyenuga.

Wahab expressed dismay at the sight of shanties and illegal settlements that had sprung up under the yet-to-be-commissioned bridge, describing the development as “disheartening” and “a threat to public safety.”

“The primary responsibility of every government is the preservation of lives and property. It is unacceptable that an iconic project nearing completion has been taken over by miscreants and squatters,” the Commissioner stated.

He disclosed that some individuals from the nearby Cane Village community had moved under the bridge to create unlawful settlements, adding that the state government would ensure a total dislodgement and continuous monitoring of the area to prevent reoccupation.

Wahab also issued a warning to automobile mechanics who have turned the open space adjacent to the bridge into an informal workshop, ordering them to vacate immediately or risk having their vehicles impounded.

In his remarks, Engr. Daramola said the Office of Infrastructure was concerned that the area could degenerate into a slum if prompt action was not taken.

He noted that the Lagos State Government had invested heavily in constructing the bridge and would not allow “undesirable elements” to misuse the facility or endanger residents.

“The Office of Infrastructure will collaborate with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to ensure complete clearance of the area and maintain it sustainably,” Daramola assured.

The Opebi–Mende Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving traffic connectivity within Ikeja and its environs, is nearing completion and expected to be commissioned soon.