Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force is set to clampdown on all illegal traders on railway tracks across the State.

According to the agency, the clampdown became imperative because the heavy convergence of illegal traders selling and buying goods around railway tracks is suicidal and eye-sore.

Its Chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi said the unusual and very risky trading practice had led to the death of some people, especially those who were not quick enough to depart the scene for an oncoming train.

Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police maintained that in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law, it was completely unlawful for anyone to hawk or buy/sell goods on railway tracks including all road setbacks and walkways across the State.

According to him, the primary responsibility of any responsible and responsive government was to protect lives and properties of the people.

He warned officials of both Local Government and market women to desist from collecting fees from the illegal traders on railway lines around Oshodi, Mushin, Ikeja-Along, Yaba, Oyingbo and Agege as anyone caught would be severely dealt with in accordance with the Law.

In a related development, in line with the State’s policy in eradicating miscreants and hoodlums, Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal has directed the agency to carry out a raid on all criminal hideouts across the State.

To this end, the agencygency arrested twenty-three notorious miscreants during an over-night raid around Shitta area of Surulere and confiscated bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp with other out-lawed illicit drugs such as ‘Novalyn with Codeine cough syrup’

Also, another eight members of notorious ‘Awawa Boys’ were arrested during an enforcement operations carried out around Capitol, Isale-Oja and Agege.

Its Chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi regretted that most parents have abdicated their responsibility toward their children as youths were now found deeply in gangsterism and most of the violent crime committed were perpetrated by teenagers who lack parental care.

While maintaining that the Agency would continue to raid all other areas known to be inhabited by undesirable elements, he confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had directed that all those arrested be charge to court for prosecutions.