Fear, anger, and desperation filled the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday as residents of Mile 12 Central Community in Kosofe Local Government Area protested the demolition of more than 200 houses, which they said was carried out without notice.
The residents accused officials of the Lagos State task force and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) of storming their community on Monday with heavy-duty equipment and pulling down homes without prior warning or engagement.
Led by community leaders and elderly residents, the protesters appealed to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to intervene and stop what they described as an ongoing exercise that has rendered several families homeless.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairman of the Council Development Area, Tunde Ogundele, said residents were shocked when government officials arrived unannounced and began demolishing buildings.
“They invaded our community without any notice,” Ogundele said. “More than 200 houses have already been demolished, and the exercise is still ongoing. We are law-abiding citizens, and all we are asking for is dialogue.”
Ogundele added that many of the affected homeowners acquired their lands 50 to 60 years ago, insisting that no document or explanation was presented before the demolition began.
A 72-year-old resident, Ganiyu Abdul, struggled to hold back tears as he narrated how his family was affected.
“I have lived here for over 40 years,” Abdul said. “They have already destroyed my sister’s house, and they are coming for mine next. Nobody told us why this is happening.”
Women, youths, and elderly residents carried placards with inscriptions such as “Say no to illegal demolition”, “Sanwo-Olu, save our community”, and “We are homeless”, as they chanted slogans demanding government intervention.
Some residents said the demolition had triggered medical emergencies in the community.
A resident, Sharon Fagbemi, told journalists that several people had been hospitalised since the exercise began.
“A woman over 90 years old went into a coma yesterday,” she said. “Some residents are paralysed, others have collapsed from shock. Up till now, no agency has officially taken responsibility.”
Fagbemi added that officials at the Ministry of Physical Planning allegedly denied knowledge of the demolition when residents visited the ministry to seek clarification.
“When we asked the officer leading the demolition, he said they were acting on directives and would not stop, even if the governor intervened,” she said.
Addressing the protesters, Steven Ogundipe, the lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency, said he was speaking on behalf of the Speaker and assured residents that the House would investigate the matter.
“We insist on due process,” Ogundipe said. “From what we have heard today, there was no notice, and that is unacceptable. We will invite the agencies involved to present the documents that justified this action.”
He added that even where demolition is required, engagement with affected communities must come first.
“Dialogue is key. That is what this government stands for,” he said.
Forced demolitions have remained a recurring source of tension in Lagos, particularly in densely populated communities with long-established settlements. Similar protests were recorded in Oworonshoki earlier this year following demolition exercises in the area.
As the Mile 12 residents await government action, many say their immediate concern is survival.
“We don’t know where to sleep tonight,” an elderly protester said quietly. “We just want the government to hear us.”
