DILAPITATED POLICE BARRACKS IN LAGOS, OYO, OTHERS SET TONGUES WAGGING

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Many people are outraged by the appalling conditions of police barracks in different sections of Lagos and the nation.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced intentions to improve the long-standing condition of its barracks around the nation nonetheless.

The federal government promised to create a N100 billion Police Housing Fund at the NPF’s inaugural Nigeria Police Housing Summit in April, which had as its subject Renewed Hope for Police Housing in Nigeria.

Large wall fissures and leaky roofs were depicted in a number of pictures that went viral on social media, showing many of the barracks’ buildings stumbling into danger.

Additionally, it was discovered that the majority of police barracks nationwide lack even the most basic facilities, including running water for toilets.

Officers’ appalling living conditions drew strong criticism on social media, particularly on X (previously Twitter).

Using the hashtag #NPFBarracksSeries, a “X” user named @chiditweets042 posted numerous images exposing the appalling conditions of police barracks in Lagos and other regions of the nation.

Some of the highlighted barracks include Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende, Lagos; Nigeria Police Division Barracks, Oyo State; Police Barracks, Ikoyi, Lagos State; Kwara Police Division Barracks, Ilorin; Mobile Police Barracks, Adeke Makurdi, Benue; Bonpai Police Barracks, Kano; Igbeba Police Barracks/Staff Quarters, Ijebu Ode, Police Mobile Barracks Mopol 8 Jos, Plateau State; among others.

A user, Ogechukwu Chime said: “Politicians will build for themselves using N21b, and leave @PoliceNG in shabby quarters. Yet they will defend the politicians against fellow Nigerians fighting for good governance.”

Reacting, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on X (formerly Twitter) assured that all dilapidated barracks in Lagos and other states would be reconstructed.

He said: “We have commenced the process to address accommodation problems in the police. All the dilapidated barracks in Lagos (and in other states) will be reconstructed.

“The process of relocation of our personnel is ongoing so that we commence construction ASAP. It’s one step after the other.

“That’s why the IGP organised the first-ever Nigeria Police Housing Summit recently with a view to tackling these problems across the country.

“We are aware of the problems, and we are sensitive to the welfare of our personnel. We deserve to live fine, with dignity and high esteem.”