Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC, has reiterated its commitment to rid the State of all environmental nuisances such as street trading and hawking on the major highways.

It warned the public on any form of attacks on its operatives carrying out official duties of ensuring the general cleanliness of the State.

Its Corps Marshal, Gbemisola Akinpelu disclosed this at the Command Headquarters of the Agency, Bolade, Oshodi.

According to her, ‘‘a street trader identified as Yusuf Usaini, was apprehended today around Railway Crossing, Fagba in Ifako Ijaye Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of the State, during the daily routine patrol of ensuring the State is cleared of all forms of street trading’’.

The Corps Marshal noted that the suspect said to be hawking popcorn, upon sighting the Agency’s operatives brought out dangerous weapons such as knife (dagger) and charms to attack the operatives before he was eventually subdued and brought to the Agency’s Headquarter for subsequent investigation and prosecution.

Gbemisola, a Retired Police Commissioner condemned the incessant attacks on its personnel who are out to dislodging street traders around the nooks and crannies of the State.

She noted that such attacks can inflict serious injuries or loss of lives to the officers who are out to ensure the directives of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu towards ensuring roads, walkways and road setbacks on major highways in the State are free of illegal trading activities and street hawking which mostly impedes free human and vehicular movements that often constitutes traffic gridlocks on our roads.
However, the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution to serve as deterrent to others.
While affirming the Agency’s commitment at ensuring the directive of Governor Sanwo-Olu at ensuring every part of the State is free of any form of environmental nuisances, she however appealed to market leaders and transport unions to partner with the Agency in the discharge of official duty.

This is contained in a statement by Public Affairs Unit, Adebayo Kehinde.