In a recent incident in Yaba, Lagos State, officers of the Nigerian Army violently assaulted members of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) while they were performing their official duties. This attack occurred on Tuesday following the demolition of illegal structures erected by army personnel near the perimeter fence of Yaba College of Technology.
According to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment, the KAI officers had been tasked with removing these illegal structures after notices were served to the army personnel, allowing sufficient time for compliance. Wahab emphasized the Lagos State government’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment, asserting a zero-tolerance policy towards environmental violations.
Reports indicate that the army constructed the illegal structures that were marked for removal. Wahab detailed that during their lawful duties, KAI officers faced an unprovoked attack led by military personnel under the direction of Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon.
The Commissioner 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 quick intervention, which enabled the KAI officers to resume their work without further disruption.
Wahab condemned the assault, calling it “unwarranted and unacceptable,” and emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated in the future. He reaffirmed the state’s dedication to ensuring a cleaner Lagos by upholding sanitation and safety standards.
Major Olaniyi Cole (Retd), the Corp Marshal, supported Wahab’s statements, explaining that the KAI officers were present to mark structures for demolition when they were suddenly attacked and beaten by the soldiers.