Relocation of destitute to home states ‘ll continue – Lagos govt
Lagos State Government has maintained that the relocation of destitute from the state to their respective states of origin will continue as part of measures to free Lagos of visible security risks, among others.
Though, the state government confirmed that it relocated some people to Osun and other states on their request to be helped to go back home.
This followed the furore over deportation of Osun State indigenes by the Lagos State Government at the weekend, with Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke expressing anger over the incident.
Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, condemned the act in it’s entirety, saying Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has denied authorising the repatriation of youths.
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Adeleke’s reaction came following report of several luxury buses seen dropping off hundreds of youth at various points of Ilesa area of the State at the weekend after allegedly and rounding them up in several parts of Lagos State.
A statement by the Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, said his principal has consequently interfaced with Governor Sanwo-Olu over the development, urging the Lagos State governor to look into the matter and put an end to the incident.
“I spoke with my brother, Governor Sanwoolu on the matter. He too was surprised and he denied ever authorizing any such action.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has promised immediate investigation to unravel the facts of the situation. The Lagos team will update us as quickly as possible.
“I am subsequently directing our security agencies in Osun to mount surveillance in and around Ilesa to track the deported youths and their destinations.
“I will update our people on this development. I urge residents to be calm while the security agencies carry out surveillance”, Adeleke stated.
Lagos government had on Sunday revealed that out of 450 miscreants rescued at weekend, 79 were absorbed into some government facilities for rehabilitation after showing signs of being unwell.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, when can be asked to respond to the accusation that Lagos relocated indigenes of Osun, according to earlier statement issued late Sunday, said “that is the position of the Lagos State Government.”
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The commissioner had said that a statewide exercise to free Lagos of visible security risks continued after the arrest of some suspects under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.
According to Omotoso, “The ceaseless influx of miscreants, beggars, and the destitute onto Lagos streets has raised fears of insecurity of lives and property. This is unacceptable.
“As part of the exercise, 450 miscreants were at the weekend rescued. Of the lot, 371 pleaded for assistance to relocate to their various states due to the hardship they are facing in Lagos.
“79 have been absorbed into some government facilities for rehabilitation after showing signs of being unwell.
“The exercise will continue as part of the government’s responsibility to keep our citizens safe and secure.”
Source: vanguardngr
