A victim displaced by the Makoko demolition in Lagos State, Jide Ojo, has alleged that no fewer than six people have died as a result of what he described as inhumane and illegal demolition exercises in the community.
Ojo made the claim on Saturday during an interview on Arise Television, monitored by DAILY POST, where he recounted what he called a traumatic and distressing experience for residents affected by the demolition.
According to him, members of the community were initially engaged by government officials on plans for regeneration, upgrading and development, only for the process to suddenly turn into what he described as unexpected and forceful demolitions.
Ojo accused the Lagos State Government of failing to follow due legal process and ignoring court judgments that reportedly halted the demolition exercise.
“The experience wasn’t a pleasant one at all. It was very traumatic and horrible,” he said. “You have government officials discussing regeneration, upgrading and development with the community, and suddenly it turns into demolition — unexpected demolition.”
He explained that under the law, a demolition process should involve the issuance of a contravention notice, followed by a quit notice, and finally a demolition order from a competent court.
“In this case, the process was not followed,” Ojo alleged. “Most of these communities already have judgments from courts of competent jurisdiction at the Lagos State High Court. So it’s very unfortunate.”
He further claimed that several residents lost their lives in the course of the demolition and forced evictions.
“A lot of people have died. Some died instantly, while others died along the way as a result of the inhumane and illegal demolition and forceful eviction, as we are seeing in Makoko,” he said.
Ojo also alleged that a woman died after being exposed to heavy tear gas during the operation, adding that about six bodies were currently in the mortuary as a result of the exercise.
He described the situation as deeply painful and called for accountability over what he termed illegal actions carried out against vulnerable communities.