'Is there an alternative?' - Reactions as Lagos govt announces demolition of over 100 shanties

The Lagos state government, led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed it would remove over 100 shanties at Adeniji Adele under the bridge beginning from Monday, May 6, 2024.

The state commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a post shared on his X page on Sunday, May 5.

According to him, the removal is coming after the expiration of a 48-hour notice served on all occupants of the shanties to move with their belongings.

The commissioner, therefore, advised all the occupants of the shanties “in their interest, to voluntarily move out with their belongings before the commencement of the enforcement operations on Monday.”

According to Wahab, this exercise is part of the commitment of the state government to reclaim all ungoverned spaces that dot the Lagos landscape, Daily Trust reported.

“Apart from the unsanitary conditions of residents in the shanties, it also serves as a hiding place for criminals and points for peddling hard drugs and substances which is injurious to the wellbeing of law-abiding residents,” he added.

The move by the Lagos state government has generated mixed reactions on X. Legit.ng captured some of them below.

@Pweshiouz13 tweeted: "Operation clean Lagos."

@crownstarkp tweeted: "Rich don't know tribe."

@obirule25 tweeted: "I hope the government Jide Sanwo-Olu will make provision for an alternative decent accommodation for the affected? This is how it's done in Europe."

The Lagos State Government will undertake enforcement action to remove over 100 shanties at Adeniji Adele underbridge from tomorrow, Monday, 6th of May, 2024.

The removal is coming after the expiration of a 48-hour removal notice served on all occupants of the shanties to move… pic.twitter.com/rKCH0Qflhc

— Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab) May 5, 2024