Ikorodu Mayhem: Fashola Blasts Soldiers For Burning BRT Buses

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, July 4th, 2014

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has condemned soldiers’ burning of eight BRT and Lagbus at Palmgroove area on Ikorodu Road after a soldier riding on motorcycle was crushed to dead by a Lagbus.

Burnt BRT Buses

Fashola, who addressed State House Correspondents on Friday evening at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria said it was irresponsible for soldiers to burn BRT and Lagbus for any reason.

“I have been in touch with the Brigade Commander, who assured that he was managing the situation. Nothing I have here is verified, I am waiting for formal report before we can ventilate a position.

“There is allegation that someone who was not supposed to be on the BRT route was on it. As far I know, if something happens to you while you are conducting an unlawful act, it is criminal offence in its own sense.

“But it is really disappointing that public servants and that is what soldiers are, paid with tax payers’ money, will act in a manner that is being suggested because I am waiting for official report to let me know who play what role and what happened and whether the brigade commander has been able to identify the people who committed the offence,” he said.

The governor said if what he heard turned out to be true, it would be very irresponsible conduct to put it very mildly.

He recalled that in 2006 soldiers stormed the Area ‘C’ Police Command barracks and set the place ablaze, saying that the government just managed to reconstruct the command.

“If buses that citizens are complaining that were not enough are set ablaze, I do not know how setting ablaze buses recompense any injury that one may have suffered. I do not know how damaging public property is the restitution for any injury that may have come.

“For now, the only thing that I can say to you is that when I get the full fact, I will address the residents, to let them know what happened and what the state’s action will be,” he stated.