Sodeinde QuadriThe Lagos State Government has taken swift action in response to a disturbing incident of extortion taking place on a pedestrian bridge in the Yaba area. Two suspects allegedly involved in extorting traders and residents for using the bridge have been apprehended.
According to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, who made the announcement through his official communication channels on Thursday, the arrest was prompted by a viral video capturing the suspects in the act. The suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, were reported to have been demanding a levy of N100 from each pedestrian, particularly those carrying luggage.
Expressing his zero-tolerance stance against such activities, Wahab stated that he immediately instructed the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) to arrest the culprits. He further assured that they would be swiftly brought to justice through legal proceedings.
Wahab commented, โIn response to the viral video of some miscreants extorting traders and other Lagosians on a pedestrian bridge in Yaba, I instructed the Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial to immediately arrest the persons and the officer involved. They will be arraigned immediately in court while the clampdown on those on the run would continue.โ
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Additionally, it was reported that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps had recently arrested 63 individuals for allegedly crossing the highway and engaging in illegal street trading. This aligns with the government’s previous warning issued in February, where it threatened to arrest and prosecute individuals crossing major highways instead of utilizing pedestrian bridges.
The proactive measures taken by the Lagos State Government underscore its commitment to maintaining order, ensuring the safety of its citizens, and upholding the rule of law within the state.
