Lagos task force to residents: Stop blocking roads for social, religious events

The Lagos state task force has warned residents against blocking roads for social gatherings and religious events.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, spokesperson of the task force, said there has been a growing trend of road blocking for social gatherings and religious activities across the Lagos metropolis.

“It is unacceptable for any individual or group to hijack public spaces, especially roads meant for the free movement of people and vehicles, for their own selfish interests,” the statement quoted Adetayo Akerele, chairman of the task force, to have said.

Akerele cited an incident on Raymond Njoku street in Ikoyi, where the task force disrupted a social gathering after reports of noise pollution and traffic obstruction.

He said the event was terminated, while key organisers were arrested.

“We are also aware of similar incidents on Lawani street in Yaba, Ganiyu Lamina street in Ijaye Ojokoro, and other areas across the Lagos metropolis,” he said.

“We urge those involved in this practice to desist immediately or face serious legal consequences.”

The chairman noted that the task force would not tolerate actions that compromise public safety or inconvenience road users.

He noted that blocking roads for parties or religious events is illegal and will be met with strict enforcement.

He advised residents to use designated event centres or obtain necessary permits from relevant authorities for gatherings likely to impact public roads.

“The task force, alongside other security agencies, will carry out routine monitoring and enforce swift actions to prevent road disruptions,” Akerele said.

“Residents are encouraged to report road obstructions through the taskforce’s ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative for prompt intervention.”