There is anxiety among policemen residing in the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) barracks in the Sunrise area of Apapa, Lagos State, as they have been instructed by NPA authorities to vacate the premises within two weeks," according to sources.
"Some policemen, who requested anonymity, claimed that the barracks had been sold, and the residents were offered N200,000 each to leave," they stated.
Initially, the policemen were granted three months to leave the barracks, but this deadline was abruptly reduced to two weeks, causing significant concern among the affected individuals.
A police officer who chose not to disclose their identity expressed uncertainty about the fate of more than 200 occupants of the barracks, urging police authorities to intervene.
The officer stated, "We reside in the Nigerian Port Authority barracks at Sunrise, Apapa, which was constructed for the police. However, they intend to sell it for use as a terminal. Initially, they promised N500,000 per occupant for alternative accommodations, but later, they reduced it to N200,000, which is insufficient to secure suitable housing in Lagos."
"We were initially given three months to vacate, but now we've been asked to leave in just two weeks. Commuting daily from Ikorodu to Apapa will be challenging for us. There are over 200 occupants in the barracks," the officer added.
Another policeman commented, "Police officers assigned to the NPA were allocated this barracks. Suddenly, they announced the sale without proper notice. We implore the authorities to assist us."
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, NPA, Rhoda Olofu, advised reaching out during official hours for more information.
The spokesperson for the Maritime Police Command, Ehinmode Rowland, acknowledged the situation but noted that the barracks fell outside his jurisdiction. He recommended contacting the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Port Authority for accurate details.
Efforts to reach the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NPA, Josephine Moltok, were unsuccessful as her phone remained unanswered.