The Lagos State Government has warned warring factions at Ajah, Eti-Osa LGA, to desist from attacking government officials and allow peace to reign in the community.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, gave the warning in a statement on Saturday.
Bamgbose-Martins expressed concern over the attitude of the warring factions, especially during a period of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos.
”It was disheartening to read the report submitted by the Ag. Director, Fire Services, Mrs Magaret Adeseye, on the incessant attacks on her staff while performing their official duties of saving the lives and property of Lagosians.
”The continuous land dispute between the Ajah-ljebu and the Ajah-llaje, as well as the attacks on the firefighters affected the efforts of the agency in putting out the fire that happened in Ajah early this morning,” he said.
The commissioner expressed the displeasure of government with the interference and attacks by the rival groups on Lagos State firemen and women during firefighting operations.
”The unprovoked attacks led to the destruction of three bungalows and 15 shanty structures by the fire, which could have been prevented if the firefighters were not distracted and attacked by the lawless warring factions,” he said.
Bamgbose-Martins said that law enforcement officers had been directed to arrest anyone caught breaching the peace in Lagos.
He, therefore, called on the warring factions to settle their dispute amicably and let peace reign, rather than take laws into their hands.