The government of Lagos says it will continue the deportation of the destitute to their states of origin in order to keep citizens secure.
The government stated that the measure is being used to free Lagos of apparent security risks, among others.
There were multiple reports earlier this week that the government of Lagos implemented the deportation of Osun indigenes from the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, however, directed an immediate investigation into the alleged deportation of Osun youths from Lagos state.
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the Osun governor, in a statement, said Adeleke expressed shock over the incident.
He added that Adeleke has engaged his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also expressed shock over the development and pledged to take swift action.
On Sunday, the Lagos government stated that out of 450 miscreants rescued over the weekend, 79 of them were taken into government facilities for rehabilitation as a result of their health issues.
Lagos commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said in a statement that the inflow of destitute and miscreants into the state has raised security concerns.
He said that a statewide exercise to eradicate “visible security risks” in Lagos continued following the arrest of some suspects under the Dolphin Estate bridge.
“The ceaseless influx of miscreants, beggars, and the destitute onto Lagos streets has raised fears of insecurity of lives and property. This is unacceptable,” the statement reads.
“As part of the exercise, 450 miscreants were at the weekend rescued. Of the lot, 371 pleaded for assistance to relocate to their various states due to the hardship they are facing in Lagos.
“Seventy-nine have been absorbed into some government facilities for rehabilitation after showing signs of being unwell.
“The exercise will continue as part of the government’s responsibility to keep our citizens safe and secure.”