By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Taskforce on Tuesday, dislodged street traders from Alade Avenue, Ikeja, and environs over the state’s ban on their illegal activities, as well as environmental nuisance.

Other areas stormed by the task force include: Orishe Street and Johnson Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja which had been converted to mini markets and restaurants thereby causing serious human/vehicular traffic obstructions and serious environmental pollution along those routes and adjoining streets.

The two-day raid which was led by the Chairman of the Agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Adetayo Akerele, took place at dusk which is usually the period when the illegal street traders erect make-shift shops and place barricades, occupying parts of the road and causing traffic impediments to vehicles trying to access the roads.

Their activities have also been noticed to seriously flout laid down environmental laws of the state through indiscriminate disposal of waste and solid materials into water channels which end up clogging up canals and drainage systems in the metropolis.

Akerele described the raids which would be a continous exercise as a step made in the interest of the citizenry who have been calling for solutions to the menace of street trading which also encourages criminality.

“Some of these locations serve as safe haven for criminals and they enjoy the proceeds of their criminal activities there.

“The flooding experienced in some parts of the state is also a result of improper disposal of waste that ends up clogging the drainage channels.

“The activities of street traders at Johnson Street, especially at night is repugnant, unacceptable at all levels.

“They sell drugs indiscriminately there which is counter-productive to the society and they also contribute immensely to traffic build-up on Awolowo Road during rush hour at night when workers who have spent all day at work still shave to spend hours in traffic on Awolowo Road just to get home.

“It is unfair to residents of this area and we will ensure that it is reduced to the barest minimum,”!tye taskforce boss stated.

Akerele reiterated the stand of the State Government on street trading and assured that all hands would be on deck to ensure that street trading is a thing of the past.

He disclosed that the agency is collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure that the environment is preserved in line with the THEMES PLUS agenda of the state government.

The Chairman, therefore, appealed to all other recalcitrant street traders and vendors to relocate their stores to designated outlets designed for trading and vacate the streets and inner roads.

He assured that the agency would visit every nook and cranny where activities of street traders have impeded the flow of traffic and inconvenienced residents one way or the other.

Akerele urged residents who have useful tips concerning street blockages by illegal traders or any other useful information on illegal environmental activities to contact the agency through the social media handles or come forth with them to the Headquarters of the agency at Bolade Oshodi.

“We will continue to do our job in line with THEMES PLUS agenda of the State Government and the directives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade,” he stated.í

All suspects arrested were carefully screened and those with genuine business were allowed to go while others will be charged to court.