National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Lagos State government’s demolition of homes in the Otumara neighborhood has left hundreds of families without shelter.
The demolitions, carried out by bulldozers and enforced by unidentified security personnel, were reportedly conducted without prior notice to residents.
Victoria Ajah, a resident who was given only 30 minutes to gather her belongings, expressed her desperation, saying, “They took us by surprise, and I don’t even know where to go now.”
Megan Chapman, co-director of the NGO Justice and Empowerment Initiatives, alleged that a powerful family with ties to the Lagos State government is seeking to acquire the land.
Chapman criticized the government’s actions, stating that the demolitions violate a 2017 court order suspending development projects in the area due to the lack of a relocation plan for residents.
The Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency declined to comment on the matter.
The demolitions in Otumara are part of a larger trend of forced evictions and demolitions in Lagos, with many residents living in fear of losing their homes.
The city’s rapid growth, economic crisis, and luxury apartment construction boom have led to skyrocketing rents, making housing precarious for low-income residents.
Human rights organizations have condemned the forced evictions, citing violations of international law.
Amnesty International has called for an immediate end to the demolitions and for the Lagos State government to provide alternative housing for those affected ¹.
