27th February, 2020
The enforcement team of the Ikoyi /Victoria Island Clean up committee on Tuesday came under physical attack from some military personnel at the roundabout opposite the Bonny Camp in Victoria island.
The clean up team which had been conducting daily enforcement raids visited the roundabout and under bridge opposite Bonny Camp which served as a depot, store and distribution point for goods sold on the streets.
Immediately the exercise commenced, the operatives were confronted by some uniformed military personnel who prevented them from seizing the items and taking them away.
The military personnel, some of whom were in mufti questioned the audacity of the Lagos State Government officials to conduct raids near a military capacity and resorted to beating up all identified officers of the state in sight.
The action of the military men emboldened some of the street traders who resorted to hurling stones and other dangerous items at the officials who were on official duties.
Attempts were made to smash the video camera of one of the television stations attached to the enforcement team while a public affairs officer was also assaulted and had his mobile phone damaged.
Speaking on the incident, the Chairman of the Committee, Tunji Bello expressed sadness at the action of the uniformed men.
He said as part of the proactive measures undertaken by the Committee, letters of intents were written to the various military and Police formations to inform them of the operation of the committee in VI and Ikoyi.
Meanwhile, a total of 23 people were arrested for street trading, breach of peace and obstructing the highways during the enforcement on Tuesday.
Those arrested were charged before a Special Offences Mobile Court which sat at Falomo Roundabout in Ikoyi and handed out appropriate punishments.