The Ogun State Government has initiated a sweeping demolition exercise targeting over 200 shanties and illegal structures surrounding schools and markets in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Driven by the imperative to fortify the safety of learning environments, the operation, identified as part of the ‘Safer School Initiative’, aimed to eradicate structures known for harboring criminal activities.
Led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Farooq Akintunde, a taskforce descended upon areas including Kuto, Idi-Aba, Oke Ijeun, and Panseke, wielding bulldozers to clear the landscape of unauthorized constructions.
Notable educational institutions affected by the demolition included St John Primary School in Kuto, Nawairudeen Primary and Secondary School in Oke Ijeun, and Government Technical College in Idi-Aba.
The scope of the operation extended beyond educational precincts to address makeshift shops at Panseke, identified as disrupting the free flow of traffic in the area.
PLATFORM TIMES reports the magnitude of the operation, noting the removal of not just shanties but also illegal structures and makeshift shops. An official overseeing the demolition revealed that the count had exceeded 200, with the potential for additional structures to be targeted as the initiative progresses.
Prior to the demolition, owners of these structures had been duly notified, with a grace period of six months provided for compliance. However, their failure to adhere to regulatory directives necessitated the decisive action taken by state authorities.
Speaking to the press, Akintunde underscored the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the statewide extension of enforcement and the enforcement of penalties stipulated by state laws for non-compliance. Additionally, he cautioned against school administrators who had allegedly sanctioned the occupation of unauthorized spaces by traders, warning of legal consequences.
As the demolition drive continues, the Ogun State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a secure and aesthetically pleasing environment for education and commerce, prioritizing the well-being and safety of its residents.
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