Police on Wednesday fired teargas to break up a protest by residents displaced by recent mass evictions carried out by the Lagos State government.
The protesters, drawn from waterfront and informal settlements, had gathered near a major road in Lagos, accusing authorities of demolishing their homes without proper notice, compensation, or resettlement arrangements.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, they urged the state government to take responsibility for families rendered homeless by the demolitions, with several protesters saying the evictions had wiped out their sources of livelihood.
One of the displaced residents, Akintimeyin Iyadily, said she and her family lost everything when their home in the Otumara community was pulled down.
“My house was demolished in Otumara community. My church was also demolished because my husband was the pastor. Everything was destroyed with all our belongings. We don’t have anything,” she said.
Police intervened after protesters blocked sections of the road, firing teargas canisters that caused the crowd to scatter in search of safety.
Lagos State authorities have defended the demolitions, saying they are part of efforts to enforce urban planning regulations, reduce environmental risks, and prevent flooding in high-risk areas. Officials maintain that the affected structures were illegal and posed safety concerns.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, continues to face severe pressure from rapid population growth, with millions of residents living in informal settlements that are vulnerable to flooding and redevelopment initiatives.
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