Following the demolition of illegal settlements around the country’s longest bridge, Third Mainland Bridge which has led to threats of protests and disruption of economic activities, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh has issued stern warning that the officers and men will provide strong resistance to actual or attempted disruptive tendencies around the bustling Lagos axis and anyone caught will face the full weight of the law. He gave the warning as he personally patrolled the entire stretch of the 11.8km-long Third Mainland Bridge yesterday Monday morning.
CP Olohundare Jimoh assured that the Lagos State Police Command had made extensive deployments across strategic locations in the city, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ikeja, Bagada, and Lekki Toll Gate, to prevent any unlawful gatherings.
Addressing media men on his patrol of Iyana-Oworoshoki of Lagos on Monday, CP Jimoh disclosed ‘No person or group should think it is wise to engage in acts that threaten the safety of lives and property. Anybody that wishes to organize a peaceful protest must adhere to laid down procedures. What we have seen is not protest but an attempt to cause disruption and public disorder. Such actions will not be tolerated.’
The CP emphasized that the Third Mainland Bridge, a major economic artery for Lagos and Nigeria, must not be obstructed under any guise.
According to him, thousands of people, including those with medical emergencies and those engaged in daily economic activities, rely on the bridge for movement. ‘We have made massive deployments since last night to ensure that no individual takes the law into their own hands or disrupts the peace that residents of Lagos are enjoying’, he stated.
CP Jimoh maintained that the Police acted within the law concerning the recent demolition of illegal settlements in Oworonshoki noting that the areas affected were reportedly used by criminals as hideouts.
‘We have raided several areas and recovered dangerous weapons. The government’s action was justified. Those who were genuine occupants have been compensated, and the process was even covered by the media.’
The Commissioner warned Omoyele Sowore and other activists that he described as ‘mischief-makers’ to stay away from Lagos, ‘anyone hiding under the guise of activism or protest to cause mayhem will be treated as a criminal. Lagos is peaceful, and we intend to keep it that way,’ he asserted.