Officers of the Lagos State Police Command fired teargas at Makoko residents who protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex on Wednesday.
The residents gathered to protest ongoing demolitions in several Lagos communities.
Communities Affected
The protest involved residents from Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, and Baba-Ijora.
Residents said the government carried out the demolitions without proper consultation, compensation, or resettlement plans.
Background to the Protest
On Wednesday morning, affected communities gathered at Ikeja Under Bridge to voice their concerns over the demolitions.
Many residents have been rendered homeless. Protesters carried placards with messages such as:
- “Stop force eviction”
- “Makoko lives matter”
- “Urban renewal, not urban removal”
- “Demolition without resettlement is injustice”
Residents Demand Urban Planning, Not Destruction
According to the protesters, communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin, and Oworonshoki have existed for decades. They said these areas should be upgraded through proper urban planning rather than destroyed.
The protesters vowed to continue demonstrations until the government addresses their demands. These include suspension of demolitions, provision of relief materials, compensation, and implementation of humane resettlement policies.
Calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu
Chanting solidarity songs and slogans, the protesters repeatedly called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt further demolitions. They urged the government to engage affected communities in dialogue.
