Lagos shuts Oshodi market over attack on sanitation officers

Lagos State has closed the Oshodi Resettlement Market following an attack on officers from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) during an enforcement operation. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure on Tuesday.

According to Wahab, traders at the market obstructed LAGESC officials from carrying out their duties. The traders allegedly aided hoodlums and beggars who then vandalized the agency's operational vehicles. The officers were reportedly attempting to apprehend these individuals when the assault occurred.

"The Oshodi Resettlement Market has been shut down," Wahab stated. "Traders at the market attacked officers and personnel of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps and prevented them from arresting hoodlums and beggars who vandalized the agency’s operational vehicles during an enforcement operation earlier today."

This closure occurs amid intensified environmental enforcement efforts by the state government to combat public nuisance and improve sanitation. The government recently inaugurated a Special Task Force involving transport unions to monitor and report sanitation violations. The Lagos Waste Management Authority estimates that the city generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, highlighting the critical need to prevent illegal dumping and enforce environmental regulations. The duration of the market's closure has not been specified, but the government affirmed its commitment to continued enforcement of environmental laws.

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The Oshodi Resettlement Market has been shut down. Traders at the market attacked officers and personnel of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps and prevented them from arresting hoodlums and beggars who vandalized the agency’s operational vehicles during an enforcement operation earlier today.