Lagos sanitation boss gives N1m to demolition victim to prevent suicide

The Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, Major Olaniyi Cole (Rtd), has donated N1 million to Miss Chinwedu Okafor to save her from committing suicide after her shop was demolished. Maj Cole announced this on Tuesday in his office in Oshodi while presenting the cheque to the 31-year-old businesswoman. He said that […]

The Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, Major Olaniyi Cole (Rtd), has donated N1 million to Miss Chinwedu Okafor to save her from committing suicide after her shop was demolished.

Maj Cole announced this on Tuesday in his office in Oshodi while presenting the cheque to the 31-year-old businesswoman.

He said that he was directed to demolish illegal structures on government lands, public spaces, canals and other areas, noting that Miss Okafor was served a quit notice with others that had structures on the Ibro Canal in the Okota area some months ago.

He said that the demolition was carried out on Friday, stressing that Miss Okafor attempted to bribe him to spare her structure but that he rejected the money.

He pointed out that while the demolition was going on, she started manifesting signs of insanity and planned to commit suicide due to her investment in the structure being destroyed.

He further said, “Government directed us to destroy all illegal structures in the state. We are working with a human face. We always empathise with victims; that is why we give them time to remove their property.

“If we discover our demolition will cost lives in any area, we would put the operation on hold; we will come back later to do it after more sensitization.

“We are not demolishing illegal structures for demolishing sake; it is for the benefit of all. I decided to assist Miss Okafor because I did not want her to commit suicide.”