Squatters Living Under a Bridge In Lagos

Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed on Wednesday that the government uncovered 86 partitioned rooms, measuring 10x10 and 12x10, under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi on Lagos Island.

According to Wahab, tenants were paying N250,000 per annum for these makeshift apartments under the bridge. He shared this information via a post on X.com, accompanied by videos.

Wahab added that the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources successfully cleared all structures, including a container used for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge.

In his post with videos, Wahab wrote, “A total of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10x10 and 12x10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge. They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.”

Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, a Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi due to illegal settlement and environmental violations.

Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction, conducted by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI, on Tuesday.

He wrote, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024, by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).

These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested, and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.”

He also confirmed that the bridge previously housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10x10 and 12x10, with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.