The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), dislodged 84 individuals yesterday from 54 makeshift structures built beneath the Elegbata Under Bridge in Lagos Island.
The occupants, who have made homes under the bridge, constructed eight latrine toilets with pipes draining directly into the lagoon, where fishing activities are conducted. The structures are described as cage-like, with some residents raising goats under the bridge and living in challenging conditions, including childbirth.
In one instance, a young woman in her early twenties gave birth under the bridge last week but lost the baby. LAGESC released her after her arrest due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Some occupants have reportedly lived under the bridge for over 30 years. Among them is a 26-year-old woman, Bose, who recently moved to the site from Ibadan after facing financial difficulties following her father’s death. Bose was persuaded by an acquaintance to come to Lagos for work and now resides under the bridge with a food vendor.
A man identified as Abdurazaq, known as “Rosco,” manages the eight makeshift toilets, charging N100 per use. Reports indicate local council officials issue daily tickets to traders and squatters living under the bridge.
Speaking on the operation, LAGESC Corps Marshal Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd) noted that the action was taken in accordance with a directive from the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. He expressed concern over the prolonged occupation, noting that the unhygienic conditions pose a public health risk .
“It’s surprising that some people have been living here for over 30 years,” said Cole. “There are toilets discharging waste directly into the lagoon, and fishing activities take place in these waters. We will continue this operation until reasonable sanitation is achieved in Lagos State.”
He explained that the hidden nature of the settlement, shielded by block structures built around bridge pillars, had made its discovery difficult. “The squatters pay N100 to use the toilets and the same amount to bathe here,” he added.
One of the long-term residents, Tawa Rauf, who has lived under the bridge for over 30 years, told The Guardian that she originally had a rented apartment in Lagos but moved under the bridge due to rising rent costs. “I have a decent home in Ibadan,” she explained, “but rent is unaffordable in Lagos, where I work. I have been living between heaven and earth, but I have no choice.”
Rauf, a widow and mother of five, added that while living under the bridge, she has faced little disturbance, as robbers in the area do not target her. However, she appealed for assistance in finding a stable place to live. “I need help; I need a place to stay,” she said.
