By our reporter 28.1.2025
The police in Lagos fired live rounds and tear gas to disperse residents protesting ongoing demolitions and forced evictions across parts of Lagos State.
Armed with placards and mock coffins demonstrators from Makoko, Owode Onirin and Oworonshoki communities marched from Ikeja Under Bridge to the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Ikeja. The protesters accused authorities of carrying out violent eviction exercises during which some residents were allegedly killed.
According to eyewitnesses the situation became tense when the protesters attempted to move closer to the House of Assembly complex, prompting security operatives to deploy tear gas to break up the gathering.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has defended the demolitions, maintaining that they were carried out in the interest of public safety. Speaking after signing the N4.4 trillion 2026 appropriation bill, the governor said the actions were necessary to avert potential disasters, particularly in areas beneath high-tension power lines.
“The safety of lives and property is paramount. Of what interest would it be for the government to demolish anyone’s structure if not for the overall safety of citizens?” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor assured that palliative measures, including relocation options, grants and other forms of support, were being provided to affected residents to cushion the impact of the demolitions.