Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed on Wednesday a startling revelation concerning the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, located on Lagos Island. It was uncovered that beneath this bridge, a total of 86 partitioned rooms were clandestinely established, measuring either 10×10 or 12×10 in size. What’s more alarming is that these makeshift accommodations were being rented out to tenants, each paying an annual fee of N250,000.
This shocking discovery was brought to light by Wahab, who shared the information through a post on X.com, accompanied by video evidence showcasing the enforcement team from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in action. Their task was to dismantle all structures found beneath the bridge, including a container that was being used for various illicit activities.
Wahab emphasized the gravity of the situation in his post, stating, “A total of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 dimensions, along with a container utilized for nefarious activities, were uncovered beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge.
These structures have been swiftly removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.” Confirming the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, a Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, shed more light on the operation. He revealed that 23 individuals were apprehended during the eviction process, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, commonly known as KAI, on Tuesday.
Rotimi-Akodu’s statement detailed the circumstances leading to the eviction, explaining, “Squatters residing under the bridge leading towards Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, were forcibly evicted by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI) earlier today, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. These individuals had unlawfully established their dwellings under the bridge, posing a threat to critical infrastructure.
To date, 23 persons have been apprehended, and the Ministry of Environment/KAI will continue to monitor the area closely, ensuring that appropriate legal action is taken.” Additionally, Rotimi-Akodu confirmed that prior to the eviction, the bridge had been occupied by 86 partitioned rooms, rented out to tenants at an average annual rate of N250,000.
Continuing the narrative, Rotimi-Akodu underscored the hazardous conditions present beneath the bridge, stating, “Further efforts to clear the area beneath the Dolphin bridge resulted in the apprehension of an additional 11 individuals. It’s crucial to note that these makeshift shelters were constructed using wooden materials, with some occupants relying on gas cylinders and fuel for generators.
Such conditions pose serious safety risks and potential disasters.” This comprehensive account highlights the coordinated efforts of government authorities to address illegal settlements and uphold environmental standards in Lagos State.
