TheCable

The Lagos government has partnered with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to rebuild 25 barracks that are in deplorable condition in the state.

Speaking on Wednesday at a press briefing in Lagos, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the initiative of providing befitting accomodation for police officers was initiated by Usman Baba, inspector-general of police.

Adejobi said the barracks listed for redevelopment are Adekunle, Agege, Alausa, Area F, Bar-Beach, Bourdillon, Falomo, federal highway patrol, MTX highway and Ijeh police barracks.

Others are Ijora, SQ MTX Ijora, SQ MTX Iponri, K 9 police barracks, Kam Salem, SQ MTX McCarthy, Mopol 2 Keffi, Mounted Troops, Obalende barracks, Police Officers’ Mess and Women barracks.

The force spokesperson said the officers living in the affected barracks were asked to vacate their quarters between May 1 and 30 in order to give access for the rebuilding activities.

He added that officers living in the affected barracks will be given a particular amount of money to rent temporary accommodation for two years, which the project is expected to last.

“We have not forced anyone out of the barracks. They are expected to move out between May 1 and 30,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“They will not be asked to move until their money is paid for a new accommodation.”

On her part, Oritoke Benson, special assistant to the governor on housing, said the state decided to approach the force headquarters because some police barracks in the state have been “crying” for attention.

Benson said some of the buildings in the barracks had been marked for demolition by the state government because they were no longer safe for habitation.

“We looked at various police barracks in Lagos State, we wondered if officers and men actually come out of those buildings,” she said.

“This could affect how they address or respond to citizens in the course of their duties.

“Some are coming out from buildings that are collapsing. When such officers see people in air conditioned cars, there may be angry that they have been neglected by the state.

“I am glad that the state and federal governments are yielding to the call for the reform.

“The police in Lagos and other states deserve better accommodation, better schools for their children, and better amenities.”