Cemetery Construction Sparks Tension in Surulere as Residents Kick
Tension gripped the Surulere area of Lagos on Monday as angry residents blocked ongoing construction work on a proposed cemetery, accusing the developers of endangering their lives and violating environmental safety laws.
Protesters from the Natufe/Animashaun community stormed the site, located off Babs Animashaun Street in Bode Thomas, chanting slogans and carrying placards that read “No Cemetery in Our Backyard!” and “Stop Death Projects Near Our Homes!”
The residents argued that the planned burial ground sits dangerously close to homes, schools, and a major power line, warning that it could contaminate underground water sources during rainfall.
One of the protesters, Mrs. Yetunde Akinola, condemned the project as “an act of insensitivity,” saying it was being executed without community consultation. “We just woke up to see bulldozers clearing the land. Nobody informed us. We won’t allow this project to continue in our neighbourhood,” she said.
Another resident, Mr. Emmanuel Odu, alleged that the developers ignored official stop-work notices issued earlier by the state planning authorities.
“They were warned to stop months ago, but they defied the order. That’s why the community decided to act,” he stated.
The Lagos State Government has since stepped in, sealing off the site after security personnel were deployed to prevent the protest from escalating. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, assured residents that the government had halted the project pending a full investigation.
He said, “The government has ordered an immediate suspension of work on the site. No cemetery will be allowed to operate there until proper verification and safety reviews are completed.”
Residents have also petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling for the permanent cancellation of the project and enforcement of zoning laws that prohibit cemeteries within 300 metres of residential buildings.
Normalcy has returned to the area, but the residents insist they will remain vigilant until the land is cleared and the project officially scrapped.
