The Lagos State Taskforce says it will henceforth arrest and charge to the mobile court anyone found guilty of blockade of inner streets for parties or social events.
The Chairman of the agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, in a statement on Tuesday, said it was selfish and inconsiderate for some people to deliberately take actions that cause discomfort to other law abiding citizens.
He condemned the way and manner some residents celebrate social activities like birthday parties and naming ceremonies on streets and roads, thereby inconveniencing other road users and constituting a nuisance to the society.
Jejeloye appealed to Lagos residents in the habit of blocking streets and roads in the name of carrying out some form of celebration to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law.
“It is highly unacceptable that one would selfishly and ignorantly cordone off an entire street to throw parties and social events, thereby causing noise pollution and traffic gridlock in the area.
“It is the height of irresponsibility, and henceforth, anyone caught carrying out such a foolish act will be arrested and charged to the mobile court immediately,” he said.
The Chairman stated that such practices were predominant in areas like Lagos Island, Oworonshoki and Agege, warning that the Lagos State Taskforce would increase surveillance to curb the menace.
Jejeloye said the agency had to disrupt a birthday celebration on a street in Yaba because attendees occupied 95 per cent of the road, thereby slowing down vehicular movement to inconvenience other road users.
He listed locations across the state that were either privately owned or run by the government, suitable for social events and which could be used after obtaining requisite approval.
Jejeloye warned that permission must be sought from the appropriate authorities, and a copy of the approval submitted at the headquarters of the agency before carrying out planned social events.
“Members of the public are urged to please report any activity of blockage of inner streets or roads for social gathering to the nearest police station or to the Lagos State Taskforce for necessary action.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that sanity is maintained in the Metropolis” Jejeloye said.
The statement was signed by Mr Gbadeyan Abdbulraheem, Director, Press and Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce.
