Rights groups and community leaders on Thursday condemned the ongoing demolitions in Makoko and other underserved communities in Lagos State, alleging that a pregnant woman bled to death after she was prevented from reaching a hospital during the exercise. The groups said the incident was among several deaths, displacements and losses recorded since the Lagos State Government commenced the demolitions, describing the development as a humanitarian crisis with grave consequences for affected residents.
In a joint statement titled “Systemic, Illegal, Cruel and Deceitful Forced Evictions: A Demand for Justice, Accountability and Resettlement for Makoko and Other Affected Communities,” organisations including Justice and Empowerment Initiatives (JEI), Spaces for Change, the Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims, CEE-HOPE, CAPPA, as well as leaders of the Makoko Waterfront Community, condemned the exercise as inhumane and unlawful. Speaking at a forum organised by the coalition in Lagos, the groups said the demolitions had resulted in avoidable deaths, widespread homelessness and economic hardship for residents.
Also speaking at the forum, Student Coordinator of the Makoko Waterfront Community, Israel Idowu, said the demolitions were not accidental and could not have occurred without the knowledge of the state government. He recalled that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had previously spoken about plans to develop Makoko as a tourist destination and acknowledged the presence of power lines in the area. Idowu said residents were assured that the demolitions would stop but alleged that bulldozers later returned. “When we asked questions, we were told it was an order from above,” he said.