LASTMA uncovers dummy gun during shanty demolition in Lagos community

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority have uncovered a fake gun suspected to be used in terrorising residents during a shanty demolition exercise at the Costain Bus Stop, in the Surulere Local Government Area of the state.

According to PUNCH the demolition exercise on Friday observed that the wooden shanties were erected behind the bus stop shed, along the setback on the railway track, and under the bridge within the area.

Speaking with journalists at the scene of the operation, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, disclosed that the space occupied by the illegal squatters was designated as a bus park.

He noted that the demolition was carried out to relocate commercial vehicles that ply the area to the reclaimed space and to prevent obstruction on the expressway.

According to Giwa, while the demolition was ongoing, a wooden AK-47 dummy gun was discovered in one of the shanties, adding that such a dummy gun could have been used to perpetrate criminal activities.

“We found a locally made wooden gun, and that means they are perpetrating criminal activities here. The government cannot sit down and allow this to go on,” Giwa said.

He added that the demolition followed an earlier clearance operation carried out in the area.

“When we cleared the Costain underbridge last week, we intended to relocate the commercial vehicles here, which was the designated area for them. But when we got here, we realised that the bus stop and the lay-by built for commercial buses had been taken over. As a responsive government, what we have to do is take them out.

“What we are trying to emphasise is that there must be law and order. If we want to have a society that works, everyone must obey the law,” he said.

Speaking on the proliferation of shanties across some parts of the state, Giwa noted that the influx of people from other states, who had not made adequate preparation for accommodation, was largely responsible.

He added that all reclaimed spaces would be utilised for the benefit of residents.

Meanwhile, occupants of the shanties have appealed to the state government to support them in cushioning the impact of the demolition, adding that the economic downturn had forced them to live in the makeshift structures.

Text except headline courtesy of Punch