Lagos Takes Action to Clear Illegal Roadside Takeovers, Leading to Repayment of 800 Igbos Back to Ebonyi, Other Southeast States

After widespread public outcry over the deteriorating sanitation and orderliness of Lagos, which had been described as "dirty and smelling," the state government has launched a sweeping operation to clear illegal roadside takeovers and restore order in major areas of the city.

This move, aimed at tackling the growing issue of homelessness and street trading, has resulted in the repatriation of around 800 individuals, primarily from the Southeast region, back to their home states, including Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo.

The initiative, which began earlier this week, focused on clearing illegal settlements and vendors who had taken over public spaces, including roadsides, highways, and major bus stops, leading to a significant improvement in the city's cleanliness and traffic flow. As part of the operation, authorities dismantled makeshift homes and unauthorized stalls that had been erected by homeless people, many of whom were believed to be migrants from the Southeast.

Reports indicate that a large portion of the affected individuals are from the Ibo-speaking regions, particularly from Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo states. In total, around 800 people were gathered and transported back to their respective states following the cleanup. Authorities have arranged buses to transport these individuals to various locations in the Southeast, where they are being received by local officials.

The repatriation has sparked mixed reactions across social media and in local communities. While some Lagos residents have applauded the government's action, seeing it as a necessary step to address the issue of street congestion and improve the city's sanitation, others have raised concerns over the treatment of the displaced people and the broader implications for migration and regional relationships.

A representative from the Lagos State Government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, "The action was taken to restore order in Lagos and ensure the city's public spaces are utilized properly. It was also a necessary step in addressing the health and safety concerns that have emerged due to overcrowding and unhygienic conditions along major roads."

However, critics of the operation have expressed concern over the displacement of vulnerable people, many of whom are believed to have come to Lagos in search of better opportunities. "While the government has a duty to maintain law and order, it is important that solutions are found that address the root causes of homelessness and migration, rather than simply displacing people," said a social activist.

As the repatriated individuals begin their journey back to the Southeast, local government officials in Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo have expressed their willingness to receive the displaced people. However, questions have arisen about the ability of these states to provide for the returnees, especially considering the economic challenges faced by many regions in the country.

The cleanup operation is ongoing, with city officials promising further measures to ensure that public spaces remain free of illegal settlements and vendors. While Lagos has made strides in improving its streets, the issue of homelessness and urban migration remains a complex challenge that will require long-term solutions.

As Lagos continues to take steps to clean up and restore order, the impact of the operation on the lives of the displaced individuals and the wider community will likely be a topic of debate for months to come.