Eko Bridge fire outbreak: LASG gives 48-hour notice to squatters to vacate

Lagos State government has given a 48 hours notice to squatters under the Eko Bridge in Oke Arin area of Apongbon, Lagos Island to vacate the area.

The order followed a fire incident early on Wednesday, which affected a portion of the bridge

Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts , Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde gave the notice  at the commencement of  the removal of containers and makeshift shops affected by the fire incident.

The special adviser, while commending the prompt response of the men of the Lagos State Fire Services in curtailing the fire incident said containers and makeshift shops will no longer be allowed at the section affected by the fire, warning that anyone who flout the directive to stay clear from using under the bridge for storage or trading will be arrested and prosecuted.

Oyerinde, who decried the non adherence to safety guidelines despite several meetings held with leaders of the market associations and  CDAs, noted that the issue of fire outbreak under the Eko Bridge at Oke Arin may become endemic if steps are not taken to forestall future occurrence.

Addressing traders using the area to trade illegally, the special adviser, alongside the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu and other state officials counselled them on the need to remove structures placed or erected under the burnt section of the bridge.

He noted that the cause of the fire outbreak which has not been fully ascertained may be as a result of storage of explosive and combustive materials in some of the containers located under the bridge.