Anger and frustration spilled onto the streets as police dispersed protesters demanding compensation following mass evictions that left hundreds of residents homeless. The demonstration, held in Lagos, was broken up with teargas as security forces moved in to clear the area.
The protesters, many of whom said their homes were recently demolished, gathered to demand compensation and resettlement from the authorities. Chanting slogans and holding placards, they accused the government of carrying out forced evictions without adequate notice or support, leaving families stranded and livelihoods destroyed.
One of the displaced residents, Akintimeyin Iyadily, described losing everything when her community was demolished. She said her home and church were destroyed during the exercise, adding that her family was left with nothing after the demolition.
As the protest intensified, some demonstrators blocked sections of the road, prompting police intervention. Officers fired teargas to disperse the crowd, sending protesters running as traffic and normal activities were disrupted in the area.
Authorities have defended the demolition exercise, saying it is part of efforts to enforce urban planning laws, reduce flooding risks, and remove structures considered illegal or unsafe. Lagos officials insist the affected buildings were erected without proper approval and posed environmental and safety concerns.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Africa’s most populous city, where rapid urban growth, housing shortages, and informal settlements continue to fuel clashes between residents and authorities. For those displaced, however, the protest was a desperate call for recognition, justice, and support after losing their homes.
