The Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos State has begun demolition of illegal structures under bridges used as hideouts by miscreants and other illegal activities, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The Federal Controller of Works, Mr Adedamola Kuti, led ministry officials alongside the Police Task Force from the Alausa Command on a tour of various sections under the bridges late on Thursday.
The operation which started at 4.00 p.m. lasted till 8.30 p.m.
The taskforce headed by DSP Shettima Kolo served eviction notices on illegal occupants on the Right of Way, traders, artisans and other business concerns under the bridges.
The operation began with the demolition of a fence constructed under the ramp on the bridge linking Adeniji Adele Road which also links the Carter Bridge and Ebute Ero.
During the demolition exercise, several arrests were made while police also recovered some weapons including axes, cutlasses and knives from the illegal occupants under the bridge.
A staff of an advertising agency, who identified himself as Mr Seyi Philips told ministry officials that his firm erected the fence to protect facilities servicing its billboard from social miscreants.
Philips added that they did not envisage that the construction would become a hideout for the miscreants.
During inspection of the Iddo Bridge which is an extension of the Carter Bridge, NAN observed that several lock up shops had been constructed under the bridge.
Some of the shops were being used as warehouses and the occupants claimed that they had been paying rent to the
administrators of the facility for several decades.
The demolition squad advised owners of lock up shops and warehouses under the Iddo Bridge which is an extension of the Carter Bridge to vacate before commencement of the demolition.
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