The residents of Magodo GRA Phase II Association (MRA), highbrow communities, Lagos state, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene in the rising insecurity and environmental degradation and encroachment of community by land grabbers.

The community at a press conference requested the governor to take action against the land grabbers who have made security of lives and property at risk.

They also asked the governor to call to order, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, and some other government officials, alleging his involvement in the crisis that is rocking the estate.

One of the major concerns raised by the residents was the development of the wetlands beside the estate which they said pose a threat to the community, particularly during flash floods.

They said that the latest crisis began after the government had given permission to construct a perimeter fence at a portion of the estate, but after its completion, the physical planning enforcement team came and demolished it, causing distress to the residents.

The residents emphasised that rainwater from Ikeja and other parts of the state capital flows into the wetlands and the area is an important natural reserve that should be preserved, rather than developed for commercial purposes.

They also mentioned that animals from the wetlands have encroached into their homes due to the land grabbing activities of “Omo Onile.”

Chairman of MRA, Sheriff Daramola, lamented the activities of land grabbers, the resulting insecurity, and flooding caused by encroachment into the wetlands and the demolition of the perimeter fencing.

He appealed to the governor and the state government to refrain from building link roads to the wetlands through Magodo Phase II and instead construct a road from the unencumbered Otedola underpass.

Daramola highlighted the negative consequences of accessing the wetlands through Magodo Phase II, including increased traffic flow, compromised infrastructure, and higher incidences of flooding and soil erosion. He urged the government to reinstate the perimeter wall for the safety and security of the residents.

One of the residents who is also a journalist, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu stressed that development of the wetlands was a threat to the bridge and gas pipeline.

He said there was conflicting interest between the Commissioners for Physical Planning and Environment, urging Sanwo-Olu to step into the situation as a matter of urgency.

The residents appreciated the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tokunbo Wahab, for recognising the significance of the wetlands during his visit to Magodo Phase II.

The residents therefore urged the government to consider the potential natural disaster that would result from building up the wetlands and called for the preservation of the security and tranquillity of Magodo Phase II.

They emphasised the need for a balance between development and the well-being of the residents.

Also speaking during the press conference, former Lagos State Commissioner, Francisco Abosede, who is a resident in the Magodo GRA Phase II Estate, said the wetland amongst other ecological benefits served as a natural storm collector and flood control container for all stormwater from Agidingbi, Ikeja, Ogba, Alausa.

He said forcing access to the wetland through Magodo Phase II in the proposed urban development scheme will have consequences for the existence of Magodo Phase II and its residents.

He added that using Magodo GRA Phase II to access the wetland is to destroy the fragile infrastructure the residents have collectively managed and maintained and with supports from the Lagos State Government. (THISDAY)

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