Lagos to clamp down on illegal traders on rail lines

Determined to prevent further deaths among the traders along rail lines, the Lagos State Government has ordered a clampdown on their illegal activities.

It was learnt that trading on the rail lines had led to the death of many Nigerians, particularly those who were not fast enough to leave the lines for oncoming trains.

In a statement, the Head, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Task Force on the Environment, Adebayo Taofiq, noted that the convergence of illegal traders and buyers on railway tracks was suicidal and an eyesore.

According to him, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law prohibits hawking, buying and selling of goods, and rendering services of any kinds on railway tracks, as well as all road setbacks and walkways in the state.

He stated, “Strategically, this unusual and very risky trading practice has led to the death of some people, especially those who were not quick enough to leave the tracks for oncoming trains.

“The primary responsibility of any responsible and responsive government is to protect lives and properties of the people.”

Taofiq cautioned officials of both local governments and market associations to desist from collecting fees from illegal traders on rail lines around Oshodi, Mushin, Ikeja Along, Yaba, Oyingbo and Agege, adding that anyone caught would be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.

The statement added that in line with the state government’s policy of eradicating miscreants and hoodlums, the Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, had directed the head of the task force, Olayinka Egbeyemi, to carry out a raid on all criminal hideouts in the state.

It was gathered that on Saturday, the task force arrested 23 notorious miscreants during an overnight raid on Shitta area of Surulere, and confiscated bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and other illicit drugs such as Novalyn with Codeine cough syrup.

Eight members of the notorious ‘Awawa Boys’ were said to have been arrested during an enforcement operation, which was carried out around Capitol, Isale-Oja and Agege.

Taofiq regretted that most parents had abdicated their responsibilities towards their children as youths were now deeply involved in gangster activities, noting that most of the violent crimes were being perpetrated by teenagers, who lacked parental care.

He stated that the task force would continue to raid all areas known to be inhabited by undesirable elements, noting that Imohimi had directed that all those arrested be charged to court for prosecution.