Protests against the ongoing demolition in Makoko, Lagos, continued yesterday.
Community leaders and evicted residents gathered and marched around Underbridge, Ikeja, and the State House of Assembly to protest the destruction of waterfront communities in the state.
The protesters raised concerns over evictions in Owode Onirin, Tomoro, Ayetoro, Oko Agbon, Okobaba and Oworonshoki, which they described as arbitrary, inhumane and unjustifiable. Many families, they said, have been forced to sleep in canoes, under bridges and in open spaces following the demolition of homes in the affected communities.
At least one woman was injured as police fired tear gas at the protesters. Also, an activist, Hassan Taiwo-Soweto, was arrested by the police.
The residents said they would not end the demonstrations until the government meets their demands, including the suspension of demolitions, provision of relief materials, compensation and the implementation of humane resettlement policies.
The protesters, who marched in their hundreds under police escort, sang and chanted while displaying placards calling for an end to forced evictions and reminding the government that housing is a human right.
Some of the inscriptions read: “Makoko Lives Matter”, “Demolition without resettlement is injustice”, “Urban renewal, not urban removal”, “Homes not rubble”, “Where do you want the poor to go?”, “Lagos is for all, not the rich alone”, “Respect court orders”, and “Development without displacement”.
They alleged that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice, compensation or resettlement for affected residents.
The state government has labelled Makoko an environmental and security-risk settlement prone to flooding and fire hazards, and said it plans to regenerate the area. It earlier argued that waterfront communities were unsafe and environmentally hazardous, adding that it has a responsibility to protect lives and enforce planning regulations.
Displaying pictures of demolished homes and displaced families, including images of children and elderly persons, the protesters urged the government to halt further demolitions and engage affected communities in dialogue.
They also called on authorities to upgrade the communities through proper urban planning rather than destroying them.
A Human Rights and Environmental Justice organisation said armed security personnel, demolition teams and “armed thugs” have repeatedly invaded Makoko since January 5, 2026, pulling down homes, setting some structures ablaze and firing tear gas at residents, including women, children and elderly persons.
The group said at least three people, including two infants, have died in connection with the demolitions.
Also, a non-governmental organisation, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), expressed concern over the demolitions, saying more than 9,000 residents had been displaced, with homes destroyed and livelihoods threatened, particularly among those dependent on artisanal fishing and informal trade.
The group urged the Lagos State Government to suspend further demolitions pending engagement with affected communities, to provide accessible alternative settlement options, to ensure compensation and resettlement in line with national and international standards, and to adopt participatory urban planning that includes community voices.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, insisted that the demolition in Makoko is not affecting the whole community.
Sanwo-Olu argued that evacuation notices were served over two years before the demolition to those within 150 to 250 metres of high-tension wires.
He said the decision of the government was based on the collective interest of Lagos State and the residents and not any ulterior motive.
“We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are clearing the shanties so they do not get to the Third Mainland Bridge and stay behind the high tension,” the governor explained.