Rights groups accuse Lagos govt of systematic violence against waterfront communities

A coalition of human rights and social justice organisations has issued a sweeping condemnation of the Lagos State Government over what it describes as a sustained campaign of demolitions and forced evictions targeting some of the city’s poorest communities, warning that the actions are creating a deepening humanitarian crisis.

In a strongly worded statement titled “Systemic, Illegal, Cruel and Deceitful Forced Evictions: A Demand for Justice, Accountability and Resettlement for Makoko and Other Affected Communities,” the coalition accused the state government of pursuing a deliberate policy of displacing the urban poor to make way for elite interests and private mega-development projects.

“These actions against thousands of peaceful, hardworking residents represent a deliberate pattern of state-enabled violence against the urban poor,” the groups said.

“They are carried out to clear valuable land for elite interests and private mega-developments, with little or no notice, consultation, compensation or resettlement plan.”

According to the coalition, the demolitions disproportionately affect fishermen, petty traders, women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities—groups whose livelihoods and survival depend heavily on proximity to the waterfront.

READ ALSO: Makoko residents decry ‘broken promises’ as demolitions extend beyond agreed safety setbacks

“By destroying homes without alternatives, the government has plunged thousands into acute humanitarian distress,” the statement added, warning that displaced families are being exposed to hunger, disease, illiteracy, violence and, in extreme cases, death.

The groups traced a long history of forced evictions across Lagos, documenting incidents in Otodo Gbame between 2016 and 2017; Oworonshoki in 2023; Orisunmibare and Otto in 2024; and Oko Baba in 2024.

They also cited more recent demolitions in Ilaje-Otumara and Baba Ijora in March 2025, which reportedly left more than 10,000 people homeless.

In Oworonshoki, the coalition said hundreds of homes were demolished overnight in October 2025, despite an interim court injunction reportedly secured by human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN). Residents were allegedly met with tear gas, while several people were beaten, arrested and detained at Kirikiri and Ikoyi correctional facilities.

Makoko, one of Lagos’ most historic waterfront settlements and home to an estimated 100,000 residents, featured prominently in the coalition’s account.

The groups said the community has faced extensive demolitions since December 23, 2025, resulting in the displacement of more than 10,000 people.

They alleged that armed security personnel and demolition teams accompanied by bulldozers set homes ablaze, sometimes while residents were still inside.

READ ALSO: Court halts demolitions in Makoko, others, awards N3.5bn damages against LASG, police

Tear gas was reportedly deployed, injuring many, while at least 12 deaths—including those of two babies—were reported. Schools, clinics and places of worship were also said to have been destroyed during the operations.

The coalition sharply criticised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s decision to offer palliatives to affected communities, describing the gesture as “heartless” and dismissive of the scale of the damage.

“The residents of Makoko and other affected communities are not beggars,” the statement said. “They do not need handouts. They need their homes, their schools, their clinics and their livelihoods back.”

Beyond humanitarian concerns, the groups accused the Lagos State Government of repeatedly defying court orders.

They recalled that in August 2025, Justice F.N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi restrained the government from carrying out further demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro and Iwaya, and awarded N3 million in damages for earlier unlawful demolitions.

Despite the ruling, the coalition said demolitions have continued, describing the government’s actions as a troubling disregard for the rule of law.

The coalition concluded by demanding an immediate halt to all forced evictions across Lagos, the provision of emergency shelter for displaced residents, full compensation for destroyed properties and the development of clear, humane resettlement plans.

They also called for a public apology from the Lagos State Government to affected communities.