LASG Condemn Attack On LASBCA, LASPPPA Officials, Set To Prosecute Offenders

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has condemned the attacks on officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA by suspected thugs while on enforcement activities/removal of an illegal PFS in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos State.

The thugs were said to have brandished cutlasses, guns, cudgels and other dangerous weapons, injuring some in the process, while others scampered to safety.

According to the General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, a joint team of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had gone to remove the illegal construction at 1, Robinson Gbagi Street, Ajao Estate when, suddenly, some thugs, armed with guns, cudgels, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons stormed the area and started shooting at officials and, in the process, caused mayhem in the area.

Osinaike stressed that one LASBCA operative who was macheted on his head and shoulder has been rushed to the hospital while others who sustained various degrees of injuries are, currently, receiving first aid.

He noted that prior to the removal, a stop-work order had been served on the site, but rather than comply with Government directives, the owner broke the seal and continued with his activities while planning a well orchestrated attack on Government officials who were only carrying out their lawful duties.

He also decried the incessant attacks on Government officials on lawful assignments, warning that Government would, henceforth, take decisive actions against perpetrators of such heinous acts.

Osinaike urged residents to always cooperate with LASPPPA/LASBCA and other agencies of Government as they were out to ensure a seamless development of the State through sustainable practices in building construction.

His words: “Developers and owners of properties should take heed and do the right thing by getting the necessary permits before starting a building construction, failure to do this will attract the full wrath of the law as Government will continue to maintain zero tolerance for illegal, unauthorized and haphazard building construction in the State.”