Lagos Launches Security Force To Protect BRT, LAMATA Facilities, Ahead Of Oct. 20 #EndSARS Protest Anniversary

Ahead of October 20 #EndSARS protest anniversary, Lagos launches security force to protect BRT, transport infrastructures.

Following violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests last year, the LASG revealed that 80 BRT buses worth ₦3.9bn were burnt.

During last year’s #EndSARS, 23 big buses were burnt at Ojodu while 57 medium-size BRT buses were razed at the Oyingbo area.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved a security team to monitor and protect Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other transport infrastructure in Lagos ahead of October 20 #EndSARS protest anniversary.

This was announced in a statement made available by the spokesman for Lagos Metropolis Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, on Monday.

“With more transport infrastructure being constructed, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority reasoned that there was the need for a higher measure of security and vigilance, especially in the light of last year’s attack on Lagos state government and LAMATA facilities perpetrated by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protest,” added the government.

The statement explained that the newly completed Oyingbo Bus Terminal was vandalised and 57 medium-size BRT buses were razed during the attack.

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Following the violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests last year, the state government revealed that 80 BRT buses worth ₦3.9bn were burnt, including 23 big buses at Ojodu.

“On the same day, Berger Bus Terminal and 23 new buses parked were also set ablaze,” the Lagos government added.

Mr Ojelabi explained that the approval of the dedicated security team followed incessant damage to transport infrastructure and violation of the BRT lanes, which more often impeded the operation of the BRT system.

“The approval granted by the Lagos State Governor that the dedicated team, headed by a Superintendent of Police, would be composed of 70 officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force charged with the protection of existing LAMATA facilities and others currently under construction,” the explained.

Mr Ojelabi further stated that the dedicated security team would ensure the lifespan of transport infrastructure would be guaranteed and not be truncated by needless and unforeseen attacks, as well as make passengers feel secure at LAMATA facilities while using regulated public transport.

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