Lagos authorities have demolished homes in Otumara, a working-class neighborhood, leaving hundreds of residents stranded as part of ongoing efforts to reclaim land and reshape the city’s image.
Residents were caught off guard by the sudden demolition, with some given as little as 30 minutes to gather their belongings. “I have nowhere to go,” lamented Victoria Ajah, one of the affected residents.
The operation was carried out by state-backed bulldozers, accompanied by unidentified security personnel who reportedly threatened journalists covering the event.
This is the latest in a series of demolitions targeting informal settlements in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, where luxury developments continue to push lower-income communities out.
Megan Chapman, co-director of the Justice and Empowerment Initiatives (JEI), accused a politically connected family of being behind the land takeover, though authorities have yet to comment.
Legal Ruling Ignored
The demolitions proceeded despite a 2017 court ruling that halted evictions in Otumara, citing the government’s failure to provide relocation plans. The ruling, seen by AFP, ordered authorities to consult residents before any forced removals.
“This action is unlawful and defies a Lagos High Court judgment,” Chapman asserted, adding that the state has recently ignored similar legal protections in other communities.
The lack of clear land ownership, alleged corruption, and the rising cost of living have made housing increasingly unstable in Lagos, especially for low-income families. Wealthy investors, seeking high-end renters, have further fueled displacement by inflating property prices.
Otumara’s prime location near affluent areas has made it a highly contested space, with many residents living in uncertainty for years due to persistent eviction threats.
With no clear resettlement plan in place, affected families now face an uncertain future. “This has been my home all my life. I don’t know where to go,” Ajah said, echoing the fears of many displaced residents.
Other communities, such as Makoko and Oko Baba Sawmill, have faced similar threats, with demolitions continuing despite widespread public outcry.
