Published on April 4, 2012 by · No Comments

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has ordered the arrest of stray animals on the streets and roads of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

As a result of the governor’s order, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated a committee on Stray Animal Control, SAC, saddled with the responsibility of arresting all stray animals found on the streets and roads of Lagos.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal inaugurated the committee, which cuts across all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos on Wednesday in Agege.

The commissioner said the plight of stray animals was one of the most visible animal welfare issues in the world with emphasis on dogs, horses, sheep and cats.

“About 75 percent of estimated 500 million dogs in the world are stray dogs, which is compatible to the situation in Lagos.

“Equally, most spent horses from Polo clubs within the state end up as stray horses in the hand of horse boys who use them to earn a living during weekends and at festive periods at Lekki beach and other recreation spots in Lagos, only to release them during the week to roam unguarded along major roads in the state,” he stated.

Lawal said the government could no longer fallow the menace to persist, adding that owners of stray animals would be prosecuted when such animals harm individuals.

The commissioner stated that in spite of government’s awareness campaign on the danger posed by stray animals in the society, the menace is still on the increase, adding that apart from causing accident on roads, the menace could also lead to spread of diseases such as anthrax, rabies, tuberculosis and other ailments.

“In a mega city such as Lagos state, the control of stray animal could not be over emphasized due to the following reasons: safety of life of the animal itself, safety of life and property of citizens, prevention of disruption of the normal traffic flow and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases,” he stated.

Lawal added that the culture of releasing cattle to move on hoof, especially at night along major roads in the state could no longer be tolerated.

He called on the owners of stray animals to take adequate care of their animals before they are confiscated by the government.

He charged the residents to join hands with the government to get rid of the scourge, urging the general public to alert the government on animals found roaming the streets.

Lawal stated that the governor was particularly worried about the sight of horses and cattle on the highways, such as Third Mainland Bridge, Ibeju Lekki and Opebi /Oregun Link Bridge, among others.

—Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State government has warned that it may soon takeover abandoned buildings being used as hideouts by criminals across the state and owners of such properties would also be penalized.

This was made known by the state’s Deputy Police Commissioner, operations, Mr. Tunde Sobulo, after Wednesday’s Security Council Meeting chaired by the state governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

According to the Police boss, raids on such properties would henceforth be intensified, noting that where it is discovered that the owners of such properties have completely abandoned them, “we will recommend to the State government to take them over and the owners will be fished out and penalized” he said.

He stated that said the Security Council agreed to commence heavy enforcement of the law against squatters residing under bridges, or using highways and other open spaces as residents across the metropolis adding, “It will no longer be acceptable. We are going to go all out on them”.

According to him, security agencies will henceforth arrest anyone found pushing loaded carts or wheel barrows along the expressways.

He stressed the practice is no longer acceptable, “if you want to carry any load use vehicle to carry it. We are no longer going to accept the use of carts on the highways” he stated.

On the threat of Boko Haram, Mr Sobulo noted that the security agencies in the state are aware of atrocities being allegedly committed by some illegal settlers across the country.

He warned residents to maintain vigilance and report any form of illegal settlements or suspicious clusters of people in their communities to the security agencies nearest to them.

Also speaking on other issues discussed at the meeting, Brigadier General Pat Akem said the ban on the use of Army, Navy and Air Force stickers is still in force and he urged residents to report anyone found using such stickers to impersonate the Armed Forces. He noted that such stickers are being used by people to facilitate easy passages through checkpoints and security areas.

Beaf: [size=23pt]Has Tinubu been arrested yet?[/size]

Beaf: [size=23pt]Has AregbeRASCAL been arrested?[/size]

[size=28pt]No, they're not in Lagos.

Why do you think Goodluck Jonathan has not been arrested yet? [/size]

Beaf: Its animal catching day!
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Detongue: Don't forget to arrest d rats and mosquitos parading our streets and our homes.