In a disturbing incident on Tuesday, officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) were reportedly assaulted by personnel of the Nigerian Army while on official duty in the Yaba area of Lagos State. The attack occurred after KAI officers attempted to demolish illegal structures built by soldiers near the perimeter fence of Yaba College of Technology.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment, revealed that the KAI officers were lawfully engaged in their duties when they were confronted by army personnel, allegedly under the directive of Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon.
Wahab stated, “Earlier today, officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), lawfully engaged in their duties in Yaba, were subjected to an unprovoked attack by personnel of the Nigerian Army.”
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, for their swift intervention, which enabled the KAI officers to resume their responsibilities without further disruption.
The Commissioner condemned the assault, asserting, “We strongly condemn this unwarranted and unacceptable assault on officers executing their lawful duties.” He emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated in the future and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining safety and sanitation standards in Lagos.
Corroborating Wahab’s statement, Corp Marshal Major Olaniyi Cole (Retd) explained that the KAI officers were on site to mark the illegal structures for demolition when they were suddenly attacked by soldiers.
“The swift response of army authorities saved the incident from escalating. The officer who sustained serious head injuries is presently receiving medical treatment and is in stable condition, while two others with minor injuries have been treated and discharged,” Cole reported.
He further stressed that the assault would not deter KAI from fulfilling its mandate. “We are committed to ridding Lagos of all kinds of nuisance and impediments in our environment, irrespective of status, agent, class, without any fear,” Cole added.