Two non-governmental organisations have condemned the Lagos State Government over the renewed eviction of residents of Makoko, a poor waterfront community largely inhabited by fishing families.
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the Centre for Children’s Health Education Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE), in a joint statement, described the ongoing operation as unlawful and inhumane, accusing the state government of carrying out forced evictions using armed security personnel and hired thugs.
According to the groups, houses in the community were set ablaze with residents’ belongings still inside, triggering panic as women, children and elderly persons fled for safety.
They said the eviction exercise had thrown the community into chaos and left many families displaced.
Community sources said the demolition began in the early hours of January 5 without prior notice.
Residents alleged that government officials had earlier assured them that only structures within 30 metres of power lines would be removed, but claimed that the operation went far beyond that agreement.
“They came around 8 a.m., shooting and firing teargas, seizing people’s boats and burning houses,” a community member said. “Many people were away at work or had travelled for the holidays, and their homes and properties are being destroyed.
While our chiefs were summoned to Government House to complain, the demolition squad moved in and started the destruction.”
The organisations described the eviction as a gross violation of human rights and another attack on poor and vulnerable residents of Lagos.
Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, said the government’s actions were unacceptable. “Rather than protecting citizens, the government is adding to their suffering. The assault on Makoko is reprehensible, and the housing
and human rights of residents must be respected,” he said.
CEE-HOPE Executive Director, Ms. Betty Abah, accused the Lagos State Government of a consistent pattern of lawlessness in its dealings with informal settlements. She cited previous demolitions in Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora and Oworonshoki, which she said led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people.
Abah questioned why, in the face of Lagos’ housing deficit, the government continued to pursue mass evictions rather than invest in affordable and social housing. She also expressed concern over the impact of the demolition on children, noting that many are often forced out of school following such exercises.
The groups called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately halt the eviction, provide medical care and compensation for affected residents, and adopt slum-upgrading and inclusive housing policies in line with international best practices.
They urged Nigerians and the international community to condemn what they described as unlawful and dehumanising actions against Makoko residents.
