Lagos orders immediate eviction of squatters under Opebi–Mende Bridge

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate removal of squatters and illegal structures under the newly built Opebi–Mende Bridge, which is yet to be commissioned.

During an unscheduled inspection on Thursday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, directed security agencies to clear all occupants and dismantle the shanties erected beneath the bridge.

Wahab, who was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, and the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olatokunbo Oyenuga, described the development as “disheartening,” adding that such illegal occupation undermines the government’s effort to provide safe and modern infrastructure.

“It is unacceptable that an iconic project, nearly ready for commissioning, has been turned into a settlement for miscreants and squatters,” Wahab said. “The government’s foremost duty is to protect lives and property, and we will not shirk that responsibility.”

He noted that some residents from nearby Cane Village had also set up unauthorised dwellings under the bridge, vowing that the area would be cleared and constantly monitored to prevent reoccupation.

Wahab further warned automobile mechanics who have converted open spaces near the bridge into workshops to vacate immediately or risk having their vehicles impounded.

In his remarks, Engr. Daramola said the illegal occupation poses a serious environmental and security risk, stressing that immediate action was necessary to prevent the area from degenerating into a slum.

“The State Government has invested enormous resources in constructing this bridge, and we will not allow undesirable elements to compromise public safety,” he said.

He assured that the Office of Infrastructure would collaborate with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to ensure sustained cleanliness and monitoring of the area after the eviction.