Telling the story of Sheriff, she said: “One of the children who was reunited with his family – Sherif, left home in 2004 in search of his mother who he thought his father was keeping away from him. His quest took him from his home in Badagry where the father is a tailor to Seme, Oshodi, Obalende, Ojuelegba and finally to Kuramo Beach where he was discovered by the Haven”.

Indeed, unlike previous demolition exercises in Lagos, it was relatively peaceful when the bulldozers stormed the affected areas in Orile bordering the road. Although some of the victims claimed there was a previous notice served them by the state government but they were shocked that the demolition was extended beyond the areas earlier specified.

The harrowing experience that Lagos residents go through on daily basis as a result of decaying infrastructure, is not limited to roads owned by the federal government. Investigations by Vanguard Property & Environment show that roads constructed and maintained by the State government are equally in terrible states of disrepair.

Fashola who added that more women and children-friendly programmes will be completed for the benefit of the people, expressed his gratitude to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who was instrumental in recovering the parcel of land, pointing out that those who were familiar with it will recollect that the place which was earmarked in the LEDB master plan for Surulere as a recreation park for the residents was heavily encroached on and abused.

“Initially I thought the police men would come to rescue me but was surprised that all of them walked away from the scene. My cry for help did not even attract them. Thank God for sympathisers that quickly gathered to smash the car before I was rescued,” he informed.