IBLCDA Demolishes Illegal Shanties, Arrests Three Over Environmental Violations in Igbogbo

IBLCDA Demolishes Illegal Shanties, Arrests Three Over Environmental Violations in Igbogbo

The Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA) has demolished illegal shanties along the Offin/Oreta Road corridor, arrested three suspects and reopened blocked drainage channels as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation, reduce flooding risks and enforce compliance with environmental regulations.

The Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA) has demolished illegal shanties erected along the Offin/Oreta Road corridor, arrested three suspects and reopened blocked drainage channels in a coordinated environmental enforcement exercise aimed at restoring sanitation and reducing the risk of flooding.

The exercise, carried out on Friday on the directive of the Executive Chairman of the council, Omo'ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, followed reports that the makeshift structures had become centres for indiscriminate waste disposal and activities that obstructed drainage channels in the area.

Officials of the council's Environment and Waste Management Department led the operation, which resulted in the complete removal of the illegal structures. The exercise was monitored by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Wasiu Olowu; the Councillor representing Ward C3, Hon. Saidat Adeoba Odeyemi; and operatives of the Local Joint Task Force, who provided security.

Speaking after the exercise, the Head of the Environment and Waste Management Department, Mr. Adekunle Sunday, said the council had received repeated complaints about activities around the shanties.

He explained that occupants of the structures had consistently dumped refuse and debris into nearby drainage channels, causing severe blockages that prevented the free flow of water.

According to him, the blocked drains posed a significant flooding risk to surrounding communities and constituted a serious environmental and public health concern.

Also speaking, the Supervisor for Environment and Waste Management, Hon. Dauda Oshinlaja, described the intervention as necessary and long overdue, noting that continuous dumping of refuse had rendered sections of the drainage network ineffective.

He assured residents that the council would continue to monitor the area to prevent a recurrence and urged residents and business owners to support environmental sanitation efforts through proper waste disposal.

During the operation, three individuals alleged to have constructed the illegal shanties were arrested and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

The council also sealed shops found to be operating in unsanitary conditions, while several business operators received warnings over environmental violations. Affected businesses were directed to comply with environmental regulations or face further sanctions.

Residents and commuters who witnessed the exercise commended the intervention, describing it as a timely measure to restore cleanliness, improve drainage and enhance the environment along the Offin/Oreta Road corridor.

Reaffirming his administration's commitment to the Environmental Sustainability and Optimal Wellness pillars of the GLORY Agenda, Chairman Aroyewun said the council would continue to take decisive action against illegal structures, environmental abuse and activities that threaten public health.

He added that the administration remained committed to maintaining a cleaner, safer and more orderly Igbogbo/Baiyeku for residents, assuring communities along the Offin/Oreta axis that the reopened drainage channels would improve water flow and help mitigate flooding.