Lagos’s Parks And Gardens Are Unsafe, According To Locals.
Fun-seekers from Lagos who anticipated enjoying the peace and beauty of the state’s parks and gardens have raised concern about security problems surrounding these amenities.
About 327 parks and gardens are maintained across the state by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) for visitors’ enjoyment.
The state government created 212 of them, private businesses established 85, and schools established 31.
With the opening of the Peace Park in the state’s Ojota region, the number of public parks has lately expanded.
The park, according to the state’s governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would bring people together, foster harmony, and serve as a popular tourism attraction for locals, particularly young people.
He said that the state government had pledged to create a park in honor of everyone working to maintain peace and harmony in Lagos State.
“This area was given the name Peace Park on purpose since it has various important aesthetic features that alludes to the peaceful spirit of Lagos state citizens.
The iconic chair, he said, “represents the warm hospitality of the people of Lagos, from the raised garden mound with steps reflecting each color of the Lagos state flag, with a “Peace Symbol” at the top.
Despite the beauty of these parks and gardens, people who talked to The Guardian stated that if there isn’t a definite plan in place, they could avoid them as many of them have turned into havens for criminals.
Unemployed young people often hang around in these gardens throughout the day, either dozing off on barren grasses or beneath bridges.
These young people often openly use illegal substances in the gardens and may assault unsuspecting bystanders.
Residents who dare to visit these gardens for pleasure or enjoyment sometimes have unsettling stories to share.
A female student at the Lagos State Polytechnic in Ikorodu was recently accosted by thugs as she descended to Ketu under the belly from Abiola Garden.
As the girl passed past the lawn, the thugs pretended to be laying on the grass, but they attacked her and stole her purse and cell phones instead.
