The Lagos State Taskforce has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Lagosians while enforcing sanity and orderliness throughout the metropolis by clearing railway tracks across the state and ridding them of traders who conspicuously display their wares at the expense of their safety and the safety of other passengers on the track.
According to Chronicle NG, the Agency’s Chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye, announced the plan to the public at the Agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, where he stated that it was high time the Taskforce took proactive steps to prevent any avoidable accidents along the railway corridors that could result in loss of life and property.
Jejeloye criticized the casual manner in which street traders and roadside sellers display their wares along railway corridors, putting their lives and the lives of train passengers at risk in the event of a derailment caused by the obstacles placed on the tracks by these traders.
“It’s past time to put a stop to the selfish actions of roadside vendors who display their wares right on the rail tracks.” It is risky, unsafe, and unneeded since some of these obstructions block the smooth running of trains along such lines, perhaps resulting in a derailment. We oppose it and will put a stop to it in the next days.”
The Chairman further sounded a note of warning to those who are in the habit of carrying out acts that could lead to accidents across the rail tracks to be weary of their actions as they could lead to arrest and prosecution. He made mention of the train accident experienced a few weeks ago in the state and vowed to do all it takes to prevent any further occurrences of such in the future.
“Accidents don’t just happen; they are caused by one or two errors that could have been avoided. The rail accident that occurred around PWD was avoidable, but unfortunately, it led to the loss of lives. This is the reason we have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that such a situation does not repeat itself. We will prosecute anyone without any legitimate business on the rail tracks henceforth.”
Jejeloye urged Lagosians to send in their tips and information that could aid the activities of the agency in ensuring that sanity is maintained across the board. He urged them to make use of social media channels or visit the headquarters of the agency with their vital information that could help stamp out irregularities in the state and maintain the safe, serene, and habitable ambiance for which the state is known.
