The Lagos State Government is facing intense backlash from residents and civil society groups following a series of midnight demolitions carried out across parts of the state, leaving scores of citizens homeless and businesses in ruins.
According to eyewitnesses and community leaders, the demolitions — which took place under heavy security presence — began late at night and continued into the early hours of the morning in areas including Ajao Estate, Mende (Maryland), and Jakande, Lekki. Many affected residents say they were not given adequate notice or alternative resettlement options before bulldozers rolled into their neighbourhoods.
Tears, Shock, and Despair in the Night
At Mende, Maryland, several property owners told Clarion Newschannel that they were abruptly awakened by loud mechanical sounds and shouting as bulldozers tore down buildings allegedly marked for demolition weeks earlier.
> “They came around 1 a.m. with police vans and task force trucks. We were begging them to wait until morning so we could remove our things, but they refused,” said Mrs. Olubunmi Adedeji, a widow and shop owner whose two-story building was demolished.
“We’ve lost everything — my home, my shop, my children’s school materials. Where do we start from?”
Government’s Position
In a brief statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, officials defended the demolitions as part of a renewed urban renewal and drainage channel recovery initiative, claiming that the structures were illegally erected on right-of-way lands and flood-prone areas.
> “No demolition was done without prior notices and adequate communication,” the statement read.
“Government will not compromise on public safety and environmental planning.”
However, residents and advocacy groups dispute the claim, insisting that due process was not followed and that most affected properties had long-standing land documents and government approvals.
Humanitarian Crisis Emerging
Hundreds of displaced families have now taken shelter in nearby churches, schools, and unfinished buildings. Local NGOs report rising cases of trauma, illness, and hunger among victims — including children and the elderly.
> “This is not urban renewal; this is human devastation,” said Mr. Abiodun Olatunji of the Centre for Human Rights and Urban Justice.
“Midnight demolitions are a violation of human dignity and the constitutional right to fair hearing. Government must stop this pattern of inflicting pain on law-abiding citizens.”
Economic and Social Fallout
The demolitions have also triggered a wave of economic losses for small business owners and landlords. Many say they took loans to build their homes and shops and are now left with massive debts and no compensation.
Real estate analysts warn that the pattern of demolitions without adequate compensation could erode investor confidence and worsen the housing deficit in Lagos — already estimated at over 3 million units.
Calls for Accountability and Dialogue
Civil rights groups, lawmakers, and religious bodies have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to suspend further demolitions, establish a victims’ compensation and resettlement committee, and order a judicial inquiry into what they described as “a reckless abuse of power.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos branch also condemned the timing and manner of the demolitions, stressing that such government actions must follow lawful processes and court orders.
A City on Edge
As residents count their losses, the public debate over urban renewal versus human rights intensifies. For many Lagosians, the question remains — can the pursuit of modernization justify the destruction of livelihoods without justice or compassion?
For now, the victims wait — in makeshift shelters and on dusty streets — for answers that may never come.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT CONDMEND OVER MIDNIGHT DEMOLITIONS — CITIZENS COUNT LOSSES AND SEEK JUSTICE
