Govt Demolishes Shanties At Sango Tollgate Over Fatal Accidents

The Ogun State Government has demolished shanties and temporary structures erected along the road setback at the border between Ogun and Lagos State, in a renewed effort to curb frequent accidents around the Sango Tollgate.

The exercise, carried out on Tuesday, targeted illegal roadside stalls and makeshift buildings blamed for obstructing traffic and contributing to recurring mishaps in the area.

Speaking during the demolition, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Kafayat Lawal, said the action followed a series of warnings and notices issued to traders occupying the affected areas.

She explained that the government had earlier engaged the street vendors and provided them with an alternative trading location.

Lawal disclosed that displaced traders had been relocated to a designated site at Plaza Road, Sango, stressing that the move was aimed at ending street trading around the tollgate and safeguarding lives.

According to her, the presence of traders along the road and under the bridge had become a major safety concern.

“The exercise will free the Tollgate and under-bridge from street trading, which frequently leads to loss of life when there are mishaps around the area, which has become a source of worry to the state government and well-meaning Nigerians,” she said.

The permanent secretary emphasised that the government would not tolerate activities that endanger public safety.

“The state government will therefore not fold its hands and allow street trading in the Tollgate area which has led to avoidable loss of life and permanent disabilities due to its danger,” she added.

Lawal warned that traders who return to the tollgate or under-bridge areas would face strict legal consequences.

She urged them to take advantage of the newly provided market, developed in collaboration with the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government and the Olota-in-Council, to continue their businesses in a safer and more organised environment.