The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) states that the planned demolition and reconstruction of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex in Ikeja, Lagos, is in the best interest of all concerned.
LEADERSHIP reports that traders at the complex have been protesting against the intended demolition, causing a disruption in commercial activities at the complex on Friday.
Shops and stores were operational on Thursday, but on Friday, the gates leading to the complex were locked due to the protest. Traders, led by the complex’s management, displayed a banner with a court injunction aimed at preventing the demolition.
But Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday night, clarified that the complex, owned by POWA and officially allocated to the wives of police officers and their relatives, is slated for demolition to make way for the immediate construction of a modern shopping complex on the same land.
He said, “The decision to demolish and rebuild is based on expert opinion indicating that the existing structure poses an environmental hazard, being susceptible to flooding and potential collapse.”
Adejobi added, “The planned demolition and subsequent reconstruction will be conducted in phases and is being carried out in good faith for the benefit of all concerned parties.”
He stressed that necessary legal procedures had been followed, and occupants of the complex were duly notified well in advance to facilitate their evacuation. Steps have been taken to temporarily accommodate them within the same complex during the reconstruction period.
Moreover, Adejobi assured that appropriate measures had been taken following expert advice from relevant Lagos State Government agencies and approvals for demolition had been obtained.
He urged Nigerians to dismiss unfounded claims and media allegations of wrongdoing or illegality on the part of the Force or POWA, emphasizing the commitment of the Police and their affiliates to improve the welfare and living standards of their personnel and families. (NAN)
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