Lagos Destroys Over 2500 Shanties And Criminal Hideouts Along Lekki Expressway

On Sunday, October 9, the men of the Lagos State Task Force destroyed over 2,500 illegal shanties at White Sand, Jakande Estate, along Lekki-Beach Road, allegedly used as hideouts by criminals and hoodlums.

The bigger the city, the bigger the challenges it is expected to have. It is therefore no wonder that a big city like Lagos has its own fair share of criminals and miscreants — elements who, after carrying out their nefarious activities, retire to their shanties usually in the slums.

Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, Mr Olayinka Egbeyemi who led the team himself, said the exercise became necessary following series of petitions and complaints from innocent members of the public and residents over the illegal activities of those criminals around Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah, Vanguard reports.

“Most of the demolished illegal shanties were criminal hideouts where they freely smoke Indian hemp, carry out rape, robbery, prostitution, among other nefarious activities,” Egbeyemi said.

“As a state emerging into the status of a Mega City, illegal activities perpetuated by criminals/hoodlums around these areas could negatively discourage both foreign and local investors,” he finished.

Residents of the vicinity hailed the efforts, describing the exercise as long overdue. According to a shop owner in the slum whose shop was also demolished, “those criminals and hoodlums had burgled my shops thrice within six months this year and carted away goods and property worth several thousands in the process.”

While the effort of the task force is welcomed by the residents, one can’t help but wonder if the demolition of their shanties would lead to a decline in crime rate in the state or if the criminals would simply relocate to another part of town and continue on their path of villainy.

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