Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA in Lagos State, Jimoh Olawale Saliu, has accused some senior military officers of shielding illicit drug peddlers in parts of Apapa.
He also alleged that some wealthy individuals in the community were financing the illegal trade.
Saliu, in a statement on Sunday, identified a location known as Gidan Drama in Marine Beach, Apapa, located near Tego Army Barracks, as a hub for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
Describing the area as a hideout for notorious criminals, the council chairman said various offences, including the sale of illicit drugs and stolen goods, are perpetrated there. He alleged that some military officers shield the suspects from arrest and sometimes threaten or detain council officials on legitimate duties.
Saliu spoke during the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council held at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School, Marine Beach.
He urged the Lagos State Government and well-meaning organisations to acquire the Gidan Drama site for the construction of a secondary school, lamenting rising insecurity in the LCDA.
According to him, criminals often fled into the area after committing offences, making arrests difficult.
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He alleged that council officials attempting to carry out enforcement operations in the area are often intimidated or detained. He cited an instance where three LCDA staff members were allegedly arrested and taken to a military base before they were released following intervention.
Saliu also expressed concern over the involvement of elderly residents in drug trafficking, noting that two suspects were recently arrested during a police raid, with one allegedly concealing drugs in her wrapper.
He lamented the impact of the criminal activities on the future of young people in the area, stating that the absence of adequate educational infrastructure worsens the situation.
The LCDA boss appealed to stakeholders to support the establishment of a secondary school at the site, describing it as a way to curb criminal activities and improve educational opportunities.
Saliu commended the Corona Schools Trust Council for its efforts in promoting access to education and urged the organisation to extend similar interventions to Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, noting the absence of a senior secondary school in the area.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Corona Schools Trust Council, Mrs. Adedoyin Adesina, said the organisation has been addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.
She disclosed that 75 children have been enrolled in schools in the Ago-Egun community in Bariga LCDA within three years. She added that the initiative would be replicated in the Gangare area of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.
Adesina said 25 children were being enrolled in the first phase of the programme, with another 25 to be enrolled next year and an additional 25 in the third year. She noted that the council also supports the families of enrolled children and their schools to ensure sustainability of the programme.
