Lagos Govt condemns attack on officials over illegal PFS

The Lagos State Government has condemned the alleged attack on the officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), by thugs while removing an illegal Petrol Filling Stations (PFS) in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos State.

According to the LASPPPA General Manager, Kehinde Osinaike, a joint team of LASPPPA and LASBCA had gone to remove the illegal construction at 1, Robinson Gbagi Street, Ajao Estate when some thugs armed with guns, sticks, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons stormed the area and started shooting at officials and in the process causing mayhem in the area.

Osinaike, in a statement made available to The Star on Friday, said that one of the LASBCA operatives was macheted on his head and shoulder, adding that the official has been rushed to the hospital, while others who were also injured have received first aid.

The General Manager noted that prior to the removal, a stop-work order had been served on the site but rather than comply with the government’s directives, the owner broke the seal and continued with his activities while planning a “well-orchestrated attack on government officials who were only carrying out their lawful duties”.

He decried the incessant attacks on government officials on lawful assignments, warning that the state government would henceforth take decisive actions against perpetrators of such heinous acts.

Osinaike further urged residents to always cooperate with LASPPPA, LASBCA and other agencies of government in Lagos State, adding: “They were out to ensure a seamless development of the State through sustainable practices in building construction.”

“Developers and owners of properties should take heed and do the right thing by getting the necessary permits before starting building construction, failure to do this will attract the full wrath of the law as government will continue to maintain zero tolerance for illegal, unauthorized and haphazard building construction in the state,” he added.

The Star

Segun Ojo