Lagos seals off properties over environmental infractions
The Edo State government has demolished a building in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state allegedly used as a hideout for kidnapping and drug-related activities.

Speaking during the demolition, the Chairman of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, said the building was identified during investigations into a recent kidnapping incident in Irrua which led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers.
 
He linked the building to a suspected kidnap kingpin, stating, “This house was identified during investigations into the recent kidnapping incident in Irrua which led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers.”

Idemudia stated that preliminary findings indicated that the property served as a base for criminal operations, including kidnapping and illegal drug activities. He stressed that the Edo State Government remains determined to rid the state of criminal elements.

He warned those involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would continue to track down criminals and dismantle structures linked to crime across the state.

“The Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo will not relent in fishing out criminals and destroying all structures linked to criminal activities across the state,” he said.
 
He also advised landlords and property owners to carry out proper profiling and background checks on prospective tenants before renting out their properties, noting that negligence often provides safe havens for criminals.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has  sealed-off Pinnock Beach Estate, Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos, over  the deliberate discharge of untreated sewage via a pumping machine into the canal causing environmental nuisance, offensive odour, as well as endangering human health and aquatic life.

The state Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab said the action followed  several warnings and abatement notices.

The agency also sealed off a property located at No. 28 Amodu Street, Itire, Surulere after verified residents complaints of continuous discharge of raw sewage into a neighboring compound and public drains. This act constitutes a serious health and environmental hazard.
 
Other properties sealed during the enforcement  yesterday are a property at Oladipo Dumoye Street, Mashy Hill Estate, Ado Road, Ajah, Eti-Osa, Lagos, and  Vintage Heights Estate, Ojulari Street, Elegushi, Lekki, Eti-Osa, Lagos.
 
Wahab  reiterated the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices.
 
He noted that any individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws.