Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps Marshal, retired Maj. Olaniyi Cole, says he has donated N1 million to Miss Chinwedu Okafor to save her from committing suicide after the demolition of her shop.
Cole announced this on Tuesday in his office at Oshodi while presenting a cheque to the 31-year-old trader from Anambra.
He said he was directed to demolish illegal structures on government lands, public space, canals, and other areas.
He said that Miss Okafor was served a quit notice with others that had structures on Ibro Canal, Okota area of Lagos, some months ago.
Cole said that the demolition operation was carried out on Friday, stressing that Miss Okafor attempted to bribe him to spare her structure but he rejected the money.
He pointed out that while the demolition was going on, the woman started manifesting some signs of insanity and had also planned to commit suicide due to her investment in the structure destroyed.
“Government directed us as agency to destroy all illegal structures in the state. We are working with human face. We always empathise with victims, that is why we give them time to remove their property.
“Whenever we discover that our demolition will cost life in any area, we would put the operation on hold; we will come back later to do it after more sensitisation for the people.
“We are not demolishing illegal structures for demolishing sake, it is for the benefit of all. I decided to assist Miss Okafor because I do not want her to commit suicide,” he said.
He warned those attacking his personnel while carrying out lawful duties to stop, stressing that more than 100 of his men have been injured during operations in the last six months.
Miss Okafor thanked the corps marshal for the money, stressing that she never expected it, as she was not the only person affected by the demolition.
She said that she had her business at Ojodu Berger, Lagos, until she was advised to come down to Ibro Canal, Okota, for better business.
“I sold some of my property at Berger, borrowed money and secured the structure for chalets meant for people coming to pray at one popular church in the area.
“I bought the place with N1 million. I have invested about N4 million to make it better than others in the area.
“When we received quit notice for demolition, I never believed they will come to carry it out.
“When they came for the demolition, I did not bother to remove my things, I thought I could bribe them; but the boss rejected the offer.
“I was surprised when the corps marshal requested me to see him in his office. When I met him, he asked me what I wanted him to do for me.
“I did not know what to say; I only requested for N750,000. The man said I will give you N1 million to start up something.
“The mentioning of the amount brought me hope,” she said.(NAN)
