The Lagos State Government has confirmed the apprehension of 281 individuals identified as street urchins, commonly referred to as Omotaku, across various parts of the state, as part of its ongoing enforcement measures aimed at restoring public safety and order.
In a statement issued on Saturday via X, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the apprehended persons have since been duly arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
According to the Commissioner, the week-long enforcement exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Taskforce and spanned multiple locations, including but not limited to Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Animashahun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, as well as other adjoining roads across both the Island and Mainland areas of the state.
Mr. Wahab explained that the enforcement operation is intended to ensure the clearance of roads and public spaces, mitigate safety risks to motorists and pedestrians, and promote environmental orderliness within the state.
He further called on residents to promptly report any acts of nuisance or public disturbance caused by street urchins, providing designated emergency contact lines—09137555111 and 09138555111—for immediate intervention.
The exercise forms part of the Lagos State Government’s intensified efforts to curb street begging and vagrancy in strategic locations, particularly along major roadways, in furtherance of law, order, and public safety.#newsafro_
