Lagos State Task Force has cautioned the residents against blocking roads for parties or religious events.
It warned that those involved would face the full weight of the law.
The agency, in a statement yesterday signed by its director, Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the Task Force was committed to keeping public roads free from obstruction.
According to him, the task force prevented what could have resulted in major traffic gridlock on Lawani Street, off University Road, in the Yaba area of the state, where an entire lane of the roadway had been illegally cordoned off for a private anniversary celebration.
He said the incident occurred yesterday on Lawani Street, off University Road, a critical alternative route currently serving as a support corridor due to ongoing road construction on an adjoining road.
The unlawful occupation of one lane for a social gathering significantly impeded the free flow of vehicular traffic and caused serious inconvenience to commuters and other road users.
Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, immediately mobilised enforcement officers to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the operatives removed the illegal barricades and confiscated canopies, chairs, tables and other materials deployed to obstruct the public roadway, thereby restoring normal traffic flow.”
Commenting on the operation, Akerele condemned the growing practice of converting public roads into private event venues, stressing that no individual has the right to appropriate public infrastructure for personal celebrations at the expense of the general public.
He warned organisers of unlawful gatherings and other individuals who deliberately obstruct roads for social events to desist from the practice, advising them to utilise designated event centres or obtain the necessary approvals, where applicable.
“Public roads are constructed for the benefit of all Lagosians and must not be converted into private event spaces. Anyone found obstructing traffic or blocking public roads for social activities will face the full weight of the law. We will not tolerate actions that disrupt public order or frustrate the daily livelihood of residents,” the Chairman stated.
Akerele further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the agency by reporting such activities capable of endangering public safety, obstructing road networks or degrading the environment to the agency.
He assured Lagosians that the Taskforce remains resolute in enforcing extant laws and maintaining order, safety and sanity across the metropolis in line with the vision of the Lagos State government.
