A victim of the recent Makoko demolition exercise in Lagos State, Mr Jide Ojo, has disclosed that at least six persons have lost their lives following what he described as illegal and inhumane demolitions in the waterfront community.
Ojo revealed this during a programme on Arise Television.
He painted a grim picture of the demolition exercise, describing the experience as traumatic and horrifying for affected residents.
According to him, the Lagos State Government had initially engaged community members in discussions about regeneration, upgrading and development projects, only to abruptly commence unexpected demolitions.
The displaced resident accused the state government of flouting court orders that had restrained authorities from proceeding with the demolition exercise.
“It was far from pleasant – a traumatic and horrifying experience. Government officials had been discussing regeneration, upgrading and development with community members. Then suddenly, it transformed into unexpected demolitions,” Ojo lamented.
He explained that proper legal procedures mandate that before any demolition can be executed, authorities must first issue a contravention notice, followed by a quit notice, and finally obtain a demolition order from the courts.
“However, in this instance, due process was completely abandoned. Several of these communities possess valid court judgments from competent jurisdictions in Lagos State High Court. It is most unfortunate,” he stated.
Ojo disclosed that the human toll of the exercise has been devastating, with multiple fatalities recorded both during and after the demolitions.
“Lives have been lost. Some died instantly, while others perished during the process due to the brutal and unlawful nature of the demolition and forced evictions we witnessed in Makoko,” he said.
He specifically mentioned a female victim who died from inhaling tear gas fumes during the operation.
“A woman died under the choking smoke of tear gas. About six persons currently lie in the mortuary as casualties of this illegal and forceful eviction,” Ojo revealed.