The Lagos State Government on Thursday, denied the claims being circulated in the media of its involvement in the fire incident that took place in Otodo Gbame Community in Lekki area of the State on November 9.
The State Government specifically refuted media reports suggesting that it authorised the burning down of the community, saying that the allegation was far from the truth.
Mr Steve Ayorinde, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, in a statement, said the State Government shared in the painful loss of the residents.
The statement explained that from Police reports and evaluation by the government, the waterfront community was razed by the fire incident that happened as a result of the ethic clash between the Egun and Yoruba residents within the community.
It said that a large part of the shanties had already been razed down before the combined team of fire brigade and emergency rescue officers got to the scene.
“It is therefore unfortunate that a few aggrieved persons will choose to blame the government and law enforcement officers that rose to the occasion in ensuring that the clashes did not degenerate further.
“While the Otodo Gbame shanties clearly fell within the prime waterfront areas where the government would prefer to have better development, it was mindful of the fundamental rights of the various residents living in the area, “It said.
The statement said that while government was not unaware of the legal tussle over the areas and the rights of citizens to stage peaceful protests, relevant agencies of government had since been deployed to provide succour to the displaced people.
It warned both local and foreign individuals or groups that may be using the unfortunate incident to perpetrate evil to desist from taking advantage of an unfortunate development.
It added that the State Government would not be blackmailed with cheap propaganda from the onerous task of securing Lagos, improving on urban development and meeting the infrastructure needs of residents.
The statement urged the public to refrain from any act that could threaten peace and pledged that government would continue to ensure safety of lives and property.
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