A Lagos resident has been arrested and taken into custody for illegally converting his residential property into an abattoir, endangering public health and violating environmental regulations.
The arrest followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen about suspicious activities at No. 12 Alfred Williams Street in the Iju Station area of Lagos.
Upon investigation, officials from the Lagos State Ministry for Environment and Water Resources discovered that the property owner had turned his home into a slaughter facility shortly after the state government shut down the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege over environmental violations.
The illegal operation was being carried out in unsanitary conditions, raising serious concerns about waste disposal, meat hygiene, and community safety.
The enforcement team immediately sealed off the premises, and the suspect was arrested for further investigation.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed this on Monday, stressed that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of environmental infractions, especially those that pose a threat to public health.
“This kind of reckless behaviour endangers entire communities,” Wahab said. “We will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who violates our environmental laws, whether in designated facilities or residential areas.”
The commissioner encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting illegal activities through the appropriate channels, noting that such reports play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and maintaining a cleaner Lagos.
“Following reports from a concerned citizen, our enforcement team has taken immediate action at No 12, Alfred Williams Street in Iju Station.
“The property owner had illegally converted his residence into an abattoir following the closure of Oko Oba Abattoir, endangering the entire neighborhood through unhygienic practices and profiting from this reckless operation.
“The suspect is now in custody, and the premises have been sealed. This swift response demonstrates our zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of environmental violations, whether in designated facilities or residential areas.
“To all Lagosians; Your vigilance makes our work possible. Continue reporting illegal activities via designated means.
“Together, we’ll protect our communities and maintain a #CleanerLagos,” Wahab said on X