Residents of Mile 12 Central in Lagos State’s Kosofe Local Government Area have protested the demolition of over 200 houses in their community, accusing the government of carrying out the exercise without prior notice.
On Wednesday, the residents marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly, appealing to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to intervene and stop the demolition, which reportedly began on Monday.
Tunde Ogundele, Chairman of the Council Development Area, representing the residents, said officials from the Lagos State Task Force and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had entered the community and started demolishing homes without any warning.
He said, “The task force and LASBCA officials invaded our community on Monday without notice. More than 200 houses have been pulled down and the demolition is ongoing. After meeting with our representatives, we decided to come here for help.
“We heard they want to demolish the houses to build estates. These homeowners purchased their land 50 to 60 years ago. We want the government to assist us. We are law-abiding and want dialogue to find a way forward.”
Among those affected is 72-year-old Ganiyu Abdul, a longtime resident of over 40 years, who described the demolition as devastating. He revealed that his sister’s house had already been destroyed.
The protests highlight concerns about transparency and fair treatment in urban renewal efforts and the urgent need for engagement between the government and residents to resolve the crisis.
