Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday warned traders occupying Apongbon under bridge that they must leave after the seven-day ultimatum issued to them expires.

Sanwo-Olu made this known during his visit to the area to inspect the damage caused by the fire on Eko Bridge, Ebute Ero and environs on March 23, 2022. The governor lamented the damage the fire did to the bridge, which opened up the slabs that divided Eko Bridge at the Apongbon Section, outward Lagos Island.

He spoke with raders that once occupied the affected area and told them that they need to leave the place for the good of the state. The governor reiterated that traders will not be allowed to continue to occupy under the bridge and that the 7-day ultimatum stands. Sanwo-Olu also visited Obalende under bridge to assess the situation, and to avert future fire disaster. MEANWHILE, some traders around the bridge told newsmen that they are not aware of the seven-day ultimatum and that if such pronouncement was made, it will be inhuman to evict them within a few days. A trader, Oladunjoye Oluwaseyifunmi, said: “Almost everything sold under the bridge is used for baking cake and bread. So, nobody can give an accurate response to the cause of the inferno but everything sold here has chemical components.

“Most of us have been to western countries and we see the way the government, treat their people. So, this is a time to work out something for the people affected and not to threaten them.”