Lagos, Nigeria – In a decisive move to curb the menace of extortion on the Yaba pedestrian bridge, the Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has announced a stringent directive aimed at arresting and prosecuting miscreants involved in harassing traders and citizens. The announcement comes in the wake of a viral video that showcased thugs extorting money from pedestrians using the bridge, sparking widespread outrage among the public.
The commissioner, via a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, made it clear that the government will not tolerate such unlawful activities. He assured the public that those captured in the video, as well as their accomplices who are currently at large, will face the full wrath of the law. Wahab has directed the Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps to lead the charge in apprehending the culprits for immediate arraignment.
“This measure is in direct response to the disturbing footage circulating on social media, showing individuals blatantly extorting money from Lagosians on the Yaba pedestrian bridge. I have instructed the Corps Marshal to ensure the arrest of these individuals, and we are committed to ensuring they are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others,” Wahab stated.
The commissioner also emphasized the continuous efforts by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps to track down and arrest those miscreants who are currently evading capture. The state government’s firm stance sends a strong message against urban crime and the exploitation of citizens in public spaces.
The commitment by the Lagos State Government to address this issue head-on is part of broader efforts to maintain law and order in the city, ensuring that public spaces remain safe and free from harassment or extortion. Residents of Lagos and frequent users of the Yaba pedestrian bridge can look forward to enhanced security measures and a crackdown on criminal activities that have marred the experience of navigating one of the city’s key pedestrian routes.
