Authorities from the Lagos State Police Command have taken into custody more than 50 individuals allegedly involved in a skirmish among hoodlums at the well-known Ile-Epo foodstuff market situated in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.

The altercation commenced on Wednesday evening and persisted until Thursday morning as the opposing factions of thugs engaged in altercations, reportedly settling scores over undisclosed grievances. During the confrontation, certain stalls, stocked with merchandise, were set ablaze by the unruly group.

Prompt response teams, including law enforcement officers and personnel from the Fire Service, were swiftly dispatched to the location to mitigate the situation.

According to a statement issued by the police spokesperson in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin, tranquility has been reinstated within the market premises.

He stated, "In response to reports of clashes among some youths and hoodlums in the Ile-Epo area of Lagos State, the DPO Oke-Odo expeditiously led his team to the scene, successfully restoring calmness."

Hundeyin further mentioned, "Over fifty suspects have been apprehended thus far, with the dismantling of the makeshift structures they occupied, effectively dispersing their presence."

Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the swift prosecution of the detained hoodlums, emphasizing the firm stance of the Command in dealing decisively with any individual found disrupting the peace, following legal provisions.

"Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), alongside the Area Commander Alagbado and other Divisional Police Officers, are actively present at the scene to preempt any further breach of law and order," Hundeyin added.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed on Wednesday the startling revelation of an apartment tucked beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi. This clandestine dwelling was found to house tenants paying an annual rent of N250,000.

Wahab revealed that this under-bridge abode comprised 86 partitioned rooms, with dimensions ranging from "10×10" to "12×10". The commissioner disseminated this information via a post on X.com, accompanied by accompanying videos.

Furthermore, he noted the successful removal of all structures, including a container utilized for illicit activities, by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources from beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

Sharing the videos, the commissioner stated, "A total of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for various illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge. They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources."

Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, a Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, corroborated the eviction of illegal settlers from beneath the bridge leading to Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi. He confirmed that 23 individuals were apprehended during the eviction, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) on Tuesday.

He remarked, "Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today, Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI). These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. Twenty-three persons have so far been arrested, and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course."

Rotimi-Akodu also verified that the bridge formerly accommodated 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.

He added, "The removal of dwellings under Dolphin bridge continues. Eleven more individuals were arrested. It is crucial to note that wooden materials were utilized for constructing the shelters, with some occupants using gas cylinders and storing fuel for their generators, posing potential hazards."

In summary, the eviction operation aimed to clear the area of unauthorized settlements, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure and enforcing legal standards.