Yemisi Izuora
The Lagos State Task Force Agency, at the weekend warned traders and other persons transacting businesses on rail lines in the state to vacate or be ready for arrest and prosecution.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi gave the warning through the Head of Public Affairs, Mr Adebayo Taofiq.
He warned that there would be a clampdown on all illegal activities on rail corridors in Lagos.
According to Egbeyemi, heavy convergence of illegal traders selling and buying goods around rail lines was suicidal and an eye-sore in different parts of the state.
He stressed that areas notorious for rail line trading include Mushin, Ikeja-Along, Yaba, Oyingbo and Agege.
Egbeyemi said that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law prohibits anyone to either hawk or buy/sell goods on rail lines, including all road setbacks and walkways across the State.
“Strategically this unusual and very risky trading practice has led to the death of some people, especially those who are not quick to depart the scene for an oncoming train.
“The primary responsibility of any responsible and responsive government is to protect lives and property of the people. Anyone caught will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law,” he warned.