Nigerians and lagosians in particular have been cautioned by the Lagos State Taskforce that blocking roads for religious or party purposes is against the law.
Those who engage in such behaviour will be subject to the full weight of the law.
Speaking via a statement on Tuesday, the Director, Press & Public Affairs of the agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem stated that the act causes inconvenience to other residents and motorists
The statement read partly, “The Lagos State Taskforce has issued a strong warning to residents who habitually block streets and occupy parts of the road to host parties, social gatherings, and religious events, causing inconvenience to other residents and motorists. Committed to maintaining environmental decorum and ensuring smooth traffic flow across the state, the Lagos State Taskforce has condemned this practice entirely.”
The agency’s chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, voiced his profound worry in the statement about the increasing practice of blocking public roadways for private gatherings, pointing out that these activities disturb the lives of law-abiding individuals and provide significant security and safety hazards.
“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,” he stated.
Akerele brought up a recent instance in which the force reacted to complaints of noise pollution and traffic obstruction, disrupting a social gathering on Raymond Njoku Street in Ikoyi.
“The event was terminated, and key organisers were arrested.
“We are also aware of similar events on streets like Lawani Street in Yaba, Ganiyu Lamina Street at Ijaye Ojokoro, and other locations across the Lagos Metropolis. We are appealing to those involved in this practice to desist forthwith or face serious legal consequences,” he warned.
The Chairman emphasised that the Lagos Taskforce will not accept any action that jeopardises environmental and public safety or disturbs road users.
He made it clear that anyone caught in violation of this instruction will face enforcement action.
“Blocking roads for parties or religious events is illegal, and those involved will face the full weight of the law,” he told reporters.
He asked locals to use authorised event centres or seek the requisite licenses from relevant authorities before organising events that may disrupt public highways.