Lagos Residents Recount Ordeal as Bulldozers Move In at Midnight

Residents of Oworonshoki, a riverside community under Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, have accused the state government of betrayal and insensitivity following an overnight demolition exercise that left dozens of families homeless.

The demolition, which reportedly began around midnight on Wednesday, caught many residents unawares, as several houses were pulled down while occupants were still asleep.

Appearing on Channels Television’s “Morning Brief” programme, the Chairman of one of the local Community Development Associations (CDAs), Balogun Jamiu, described the incident as shocking and inhumane.

“The demolition came to us as a surprise,” Jamiu said. “We were notified earlier to restructure our houses, and we have evidence that we already started the repairs as directed. Many people were still asleep when bulldozers started pulling down their buildings. Children and elderly people were crying and running in confusion.”

According to residents, the Lagos State Government had earlier directed property owners in the area to submit building documents and begin structural adjustments to meet new safety and environmental standards. They claimed that many had complied and even spent heavily to regularize their properties before the sudden demolition.

“We thought government wanted to help us. They collected our documents and told us to start restructuring. We did as instructed only for them to return in the night to destroy everything we worked for,” another resident lamented.

Eyewitnesses said several buildings were reduced to rubble before dawn, with personal belongings buried under debris. Some affected residents have since taken refuge in nearby churches and uncompleted buildings.

As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development regarding the timing or legality of the operation.

However, sources within the ministry suggested that the demolished structures were part of ongoing clearance along water channels and right-of-way enforcement.

Human rights groups have since criticized the exercise, calling it “a violation of human dignity and due process.” They urged the Lagos State Government to provide immediate relief and alternative housing for displaced families.

Meanwhile, community leaders in Oworonshoki have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and investigate the conduct of the officials involved.

“We are not saying government should not enforce laws,” Jamiu said. “But there must be fairness and humanity. You don’t demolish people’s homes at midnight without proper notice or alternative shelter.”

The overnight demolition has reignited public debate about urban renewal policies and the human cost of development projects in Lagos, with many calling for a review of the process to ensure transparency and compassion in enforcement.