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Over 3,000 Residents Left Homeless After Sudden Demolition in Lagos

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 17th, 2024.

Over 3,000 Residents Left Homeless After Sudden Demolition in Lagos

Breaking News: More than 3,000 residents in a Lagos community have been displaced and are in distress following a demolition carried out by government officials and police. The incident, which occurred on Monday without prior notice, has left numerous families without homes.

Residents of Ayetoro in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State reported that the demolition was executed by officials from the Lagos State Task Force and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). According to eyewitnesses, the demolition began at a plant market about 2 kilometers from Ayetoro and extended into their community. Bulldozers were used to tear down buildings, and in some cases, homes were set on fire, leaving many families, including children, without shelter.

Ajimuda Gbenga, a local resident, described the scene to SaharaReporters, stating that LASEMA officials and police were involved in the destruction. Samuel Adebayo, a community representative, expressed frustration over the lack of immediate assistance and emphasized the urgency of the situation. Adebayo criticized the demolition as an unacceptable act of inhumanity and questioned why the expansion of the plant market was impacting their community so severely.

Adebayo revealed that the demolition had breached the boundary between the plant market and Ayetoro, and that LASEMA and the state government were reportedly behind the orders for the destruction.

In response, Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Director-General of LASEMA, denied the agency’s involvement in the demolitions. He stated that LASEMA is a rescue agency, not a demolition crew, and expressed disbelief and pain at the accusations. He emphasized that LASEMA’s operations are always transparent and include prompt reporting to the media.

Attempts to reach Lagos State Police Command spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.