The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed on Wednesday that the government uncovered 86 partitioned rooms, measuring 10x10 and 12x10, beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, Lagos Island.
Tenants are reportedly paying N250,000 annually for these makeshift apartments under the bridge.
Wahab made this known through a post on X.com on Wednesday, along with accompanying videos.
He stated that the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources successfully cleared all structures, including a container used for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge.
In his post with videos, he mentioned, "A total of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10x10 and 12x10, and a container used for different illegal activities were found under the Dolphin Estate Bridge. They have all been cleared by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources."
Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, a Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also confirmed the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge leading to Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi, citing illegal settlement and environmental violations.
Rotimi-Akodu stated that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction, conducted by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI, on Tuesday.
He stated, "Squatters residing under the bridge leading to Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, were evicted today, Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).
"These individuals created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing critical infrastructure to potential destruction. 23 persons have been arrested so far, and the Ministry of Environment/KAI will continue to monitor the area. The law will be enforced."
He also confirmed that the bridge previously housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10x10 and 12x10, with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.
"In continuation of the removal of dwellings under the Dolphin bridge, 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some stored fuel for their generators, which are potential hazards," he added.