The Ogun State government has embarked on the demolition of illegal shanties and makeshift structures constructed by cow traders and other street vendors in Kara, Isheri, along the OPIC axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, citing violations of environmental regulations.
Leading the operation, Farook Akintunde, the Leader of the Ogun State Environmental Special Taskforce and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, stated that the exercise was executed following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum previously issued to the street traders to vacate the area.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, had instructed the cow sellers and traders near the Kara bridge to relocate, emphasizing that this directive emanated from the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Akintunde highlighted that the persistent existence of these shanties in the area, despite numerous warnings and abatement notices, not only posed a threat to the environment but also led to the degradation of the surroundings, with occupants resorting to open defecation.
Furthermore, Akintunde emphasized that the makeshift structures had become a hazard to law-abiding citizens and expressed concerns over the area being exploited by criminals as a hideout.
He asserted, “The Ogun state government will not stand idly by and allow a few individuals to pose security threats to our people under the guise of being traders in illegal shanties and makeshift structures.
“Upon completion, the state government will beautify the reclaimed areas with lush grass and lawns, a feature that all residents of the state will take pride in.”
The governor’s aide issued a stern warning to the displaced street traders, cautioning them against attempting to return and challenging the resolve of the state government.
