The Lagos State Government has condemned the “unprovoked attack” on officers of the Environmental Sanitation Corps also known as KAI by personnel of the Nigerian Army in the Yaba area of the state.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Tuesday, revealed that the attack occurred while the LAGESC officers were lawfully carrying out their duties.
However, swift intervention by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, ensured the situation was controlled.
Wahab wrote, “Earlier today, officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), lawfully engaged in their duties in Yaba, were subjected to an unprovoked attack by personnel of the Nigerian Army under the directive of Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, for their swift and decisive intervention in support of civil authorities.
“Their leadership has ensured that KAI officers continue to carry out their responsibilities without further disruption, reinforcing the principle that military personnel are subject to the authority of civil governance within their jurisdictions.”
Wahab, however, maintained that such attacks on law enforcement officers would not be tolerated.
“We strongly condemn this unwarranted and unacceptable assault on officers executing their lawful duties. Moving forward, such acts will not be tolerated.
“We remain committed to ensuring a #CleanerLagos by upholding safety and sanitation standards across the state,” he added.
In a similar situation in September, a suspect was arrested for allegedly assaulting a civilian staff member of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in an attempt to resist arrest.
The suspect was defecating around the median on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the officials stationed close to the Berger bridge swooped in on him.