By Olasunkanmi Akoni
THE Lagos State government, at the weekend, commenced demolition of illegal shanties and structures in Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island areas of the state with over 120 structures demolished so far.

The state government had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to owners of illegal structures, shanties, street hawkers and those, who converted walkways into trading points and food courts in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and the Lagoon Front of Lekki to vacate or face demolition as well as prosecution.

Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Tunji Bello, who gave the directive, warned that if such illegal structures were not removed at expiration of the ultimatum, the state Special Task Force would be forced to enforce its environmental laws.

Chairman of the State Taskforce, Superintendent of Police, SP, Olayinka Egbeyemi, who led the operation, disclosed that the exercise became necessary following the expiration of an ultimatum to occupants to vacate.

The team also cleared the Waterfront on Ozumba Mbadiwe of auto mobile technicians and food courts that have taken over the space.

Areas already cleared in Ikoyi include: Awolowo Road, Falomo and Bourdillon where disused tyres and horticulturists, equipment were removed and taken away.

At Water Corporation Drive, which is also a major infraction point, the road setback which had been converted into brothels and bars and car-wash were removed.

The team also cleared Ahmadu Bello Way and the liaison offices that had been converted to makeshift homes and canteens.

According to him, the demolition which is an on-going exercise is being carried out in collaboration with officials of Task Force, Kick Against Indiscipline, concerned Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, the paramilitary, Nigeria Police Force, officials of Lagos State Parks and Gardens, Representatives of Victoria Island and Ikoyi Resident Associations, VIIRA, and other relevant stakeholders.