Traders, squatters rebuild demolished structures along railway lines

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

Barely four months after the outcry that greeted the burning of illegal shops and shanties along the railway line at Fagba, Iju area of Lagos, and dislodgement of illegal traders along the railway line at Fagba, the illegal occupants have started to rebuild their makeshift structures.

When DAILY SUN visited Fagba railway line recently, some squatters were seen rebuilding illegal structures burnt with planks, zinc and tarpaulin while others simply engaged in exchange of words and fighting under the slightest provocation.

At Agbado railway station, the traders have vacated the middle of railway lines earlier occupied before dislodgement by Lagos State task force and relocated to the front of railway police station, while traders and beggers earlier dislodged at Agege and Oyingbo, to mention but a few, have returned with full force without any resistance from relevant government agencies.

Reacting to this development, Lagos district manager of the corporation, Engr. Augustine Arase, stated that the demolition of structures along the railway corridor was a routine exercise carried out by a combined team of Nigerian Railway Police and Lagos State task force.

He advised people trading along the railway lines to desist as the combined team can at any time embark on periodic demolition of illegal structures and shanties along railway lines.

Arase averred that trading along the railway line was illegal and that staff allegedly involved in the collection of stipends from traders would be disciplined according to the Railway Act.

In July this year, Lagos State task force, led by its chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye, commenced the enforcement of plans by the government to reclaim portions of roads and spaces near railway tracks.

The chairman had during the burning exercise at Fagba (near Abattoir), decried the state of decadence brought about by activities of squatters and traders.

He said further that enforcement took place first through burning and this would be followed by monitoring and then sustenance.