Ogun State Government Demolishes Illegal Shops, Shanties in Abeokuta South

The Ogun State Government on Thursday demolished shops and shanties tagged as illegal in the Panseke, Kuto, Idiaba, and Nawarudeen areas of Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

The demolition, which began in the early hours of the day, saw shanties and shops erected around public properties like schools, under bridges, and unauthorized places removed to pave the way. Traders who placed their wares on walkways, drainage, and sections of the road had their goods seized while their makeshifts were destroyed. (Report from Punch Metro)

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, Farouk Akintunde, who led the operation, told Punch Metro that the exercise came after the expiration of a notice issued to the traders. He added that the shanties had become a hideout for criminals, which has resulted in insecurity, while lamenting that illegal trading on the road and walkways had compounded gridlock in the areas.

The head of the traders at the Panseke market, Taoreed Amodemaja, who lauded the demolition, stressed that the failure of the traders to comply with repeated warnings forced the government to take action. He added that the market leaders would continue to sensitise the traders to the need to comply with the directives of the government.

Some of the traders affected by the demolition have appealed for relocation, as they scrambled to salvage their goods from the demolition. Others lamented their losses, as their makeshifts were destroyed.