Anger and despair gripped Mile 12 yesterday as residents staged a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, decrying the ongoing demolition of their homes.
Despite previous assurances from lawmakers, families say their homes continue to be destroyed, leaving many without shelter.
Community members described waking to the sound of bulldozers in the early hours, with little to no warning.
“They came while we were sleeping, and within an hour, our homes were gone. Some families have nowhere to go,” said one of the affected residents. Another protester said both his houses were demolished, forcing his family to sleep under a bridge, while his asthmatic daughter had to be relocated.
Recall that ENigeria Newspaper reported that the demolition, which began in December 2025, has already affected hundreds of homes across Martins Street and parts of Maidan.
Residents claim the exercise has been deadly, with reports of fatalities linked to the ongoing destruction.
Ogundele Joshua, chairman of Mile 12 Central Community Development Association, accused officials of ignoring prior commitments.
“We were promised no further demolitions. Yet, the government has returned, destroying homes built with proper permits and Certificates of Occupancy,” he said.
While some locals allege that the chairman of Ikoyi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, oversaw the demolitions, Bada told journalists that it was not true.
“Local government has no authority to decide demolitions. Only the state executes such actions, and the council is not part of that process,” she said.
Residents are now calling on the state government and lawmakers to intervene urgently, warning that continued demolitions without consultation could escalate tensions and further displace vulnerable families.
