By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has stepped up its enforcement against street urchins, popularly referred to as Omotakus, with 281 individuals arrested in a week-long operation across major parts of the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the exercise is being carried out by the Lagos State Taskforce as part of efforts to improve public safety and environmental order.
According to the commissioner, the operation has so far covered several locations on both the Island and the Mainland. On the Island, areas visited include Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Bourdillon, Ajah, and Apongbon. On the Mainland, enforcement teams were deployed to Egbeda, Akowonjo, Fadeyi, Costain, Jibowu, Yaba, Surulere, and Ojuelegba.
Wahab explained that the ongoing crackdown is aimed at addressing activities that pose risks to motorists and pedestrians, while also restoring environmental sanity across the state. He reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on actions that threaten public order and safety.
The commissioner added that all individuals apprehended during the operation have been charged to court in line with existing laws, stressing that enforcement would continue until the desired level of compliance is achieved.
The Lagos State Government has urged residents to support its efforts by complying with environmental regulations, as authorities intensify measures to promote a safer and cleaner city.
