Lagos Govt. denies demolishing Otodo Gbame community

The Lagos State Government on Thursday, denied the claims being circulated in the media of its involvement in the fire incident that took place in Otodo Gbame Community in Lekki area of the State on Nov. 9.

The State Government specifically refuted media reports suggesting that it authorised the burning down of the community, saying that the allegation was far from the truth.

Mr Steve Ayorinde,  the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, in a statement, said the State Government shared in the painful loss of the residents.

The statement explained that from Police reports and evaluation by the government, the waterfront community was razed by the fire incident that happened as a result of the ethic clash between the Egun and Yoruba residents within the community.

It said that a  large part of the shanties had already been razed down before the combined team of fire brigade and emergency rescue officers got to the scene.

“It is therefore unfortunate that a few aggrieved persons will choose to blame the government and law enforcement officers that rose to the occasion in ensuring that the clashes did not degenerate further.

“While the Otodo Gbame shanties clearly fell within the prime waterfront areas where the government would prefer to have better development, it was mindful of the fundamental rights of the various residents living in the area, “It said.

The statement said that while government was not unaware of the legal tussle over the areas and the rights of citizens to stage peaceful protests, relevant agencies of government had since been deployed to provide succour to the displaced people.

It warned both local and foreign individuals or groups that may be using the unfortunate incident to perpetrate evil to desist from taking advantage of an unfortunate development.

It added that the State Government would not be blackmailed with cheap propaganda from the onerous task of  securing Lagos, improving on urban development and meeting the infrastructure needs of  residents.

The statement urged the public to refrain from any act that could threaten peace  and pledged that government would continue to ensure safety of lives and property.

It also urged residents, especially users of social media as a source of news, to be mindful of the source of their information to avoid spreading rumours.

The statement said a case at hand was the alleged brutalisation and killing of a 7-year-old pilferer that reportedly happened at a certain location in Lagos being circulated on social media.

According to the statement, the Lagos State Police command has duly issued a statement questioning the authenticity of the story.

The police had asked for eye witnesses or anyone with verifiable information to come forward with information as the Police continue with their investigation.

“While we condemn in its entirety every form of crime and jungle justice, it is important to plead caution whenever a human life is involved.

“So far, there is no indication that the dastardly act being peddled on social media happened anywhere in Lagos State or that it is a recent case.

“The Police have promised to carry out further checks and will welcome every useful information.

“Available information at the moment does not suggest that such killing happened last Saturday at either Orile-Iganmu or Badagry.

“There is no any corpse that fits the description in any area being touted; just as the location of anyone with useful information to corroborate the sad tale being peddled cannot be established, “it said.