The Lagos State government has warned that it may soon takeover abandoned buildings being used as hideouts by criminals across the state and owners of such properties would also be penalized.
This was made known by the state’s Deputy Police Commissioner, operations, Mr. Tunde Sobulo, after Wednesday’s Security Council Meeting chaired by the state governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN).
According to the Police boss, raids on such properties would henceforth be intensified, noting that where it is discovered that the owners of such properties have completely abandoned them, “we will recommend to the State government to take them over and the owners will be fished out and penalized” he said.
He stated that said the Security Council agreed to commence heavy enforcement of the law against squatters residing under bridges, or using highways and other open spaces as residents across the metropolis adding, “It will no longer be acceptable. We are going to go all out on them”.
According to him, security agencies will henceforth arrest anyone found pushing loaded carts or wheel barrows along the expressways.
He stressed the practice is no longer acceptable, “if you want to carry any load use vehicle to carry it. We are no longer going to accept the use of carts on the highways” he stated.
On the threat of Boko Haram, Mr Sobulo noted that the security agencies in the state are aware of atrocities being allegedly committed by some illegal settlers across the country.
He warned residents to maintain vigilance and report any form of illegal settlements or suspicious clusters of people in their communities to the security agencies nearest to them.
Also speaking on other issues discussed at the meeting, Brigadier General Pat Akem said the ban on the use of Army, Navy and Air Force stickers is still in force and he urged residents to report anyone found using such stickers to impersonate the Armed Forces. He noted that such stickers are being used by people to facilitate easy passages through checkpoints and security areas.