By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
EMERGENCY CONTACT numbers have been released by the Lagos State Government (LASG) to allow residents and motorists to quickly report harassment, intimidation and other street threats, with the aim of improving public safety and speeding up rescue and intervention across the state.
JKNewsMedia,com reports that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the dedicated lines are especially important for motorists who may become vulnerable during situations such as vehicle breakdowns, when harassment by street criminals is more likely.
He stated that individuals facing distress linked to street crime can now directly contact the Lagos State Taskforce on 09137555111 and 09138555111 for immediate assistance.
“Lagosians, especially motorists, should promptly reach out to the Taskforce whenever street urchins or criminal elements constitute a nuisance or threat within their vicinity,” Wahab said.
He described the release of the numbers as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety on Lagos roads and in public spaces.
Wahab explained that making the emergency numbers public supports the state’s continued clean up and enforcement operations aimed at restoring order and discouraging criminal behaviour.
He confirmed that enforcement activities remain ongoing across both the Island and Mainland.
Wahab said that during a week-long operation, the Lagos State Taskforce arrested 281 suspects in areas including Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Victoria Island, Lagos Island, Yaba, Jibowu, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Egbeda, Akowonjo Road, Fadeyi, Costain, Apongbon and Palmgrove, as well as other adjoining locations where reports of street harassment had been received.
He stated that all the suspects have since been arraigned in court and added that the enforcement exercise is continuous rather than a single operation.
Wahab noted that the recent actions build on verified reports of arrests made in recent weeks, as the state intensifies efforts to curb the activities of street urchins popularly known as Omotaku and other criminal elements who harass motorists and pedestrians.
He stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging residents to report incidents promptly instead of enduring threats in silence.
“The combination of rapid communication, visible enforcement and sustained prosecution is intended to make Lagos safer for everyone,” Wahab said, assuring residents of the state’s commitment to protecting lives, property and public spaces.
