In a shocking turn of events, more than 3,000 residents of the Ayetoro community in Lagos have been rendered homeless following an unannounced demolition carried out by government officials and police. The demolition, which took place on Monday, involved officials from the Lagos State government, including the Task Force and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The demolition was reportedly executed without any prior notice to the residents, leaving many families in a state of panic and distress. Ajimuda Gbenga, a resident of Ayetoro, described the scene of devastation. According to Gbenga, the demolition was carried out by a combination of police officers and LASEMA officials. Bulldozers were used to tear down homes, and in areas where bulldozers couldn’t reach, officials reportedly set the buildings on fire. This has resulted in significant suffering, as many residents, including women and children, have been left without shelter.
The Ayetoro community, which is situated near the Oko-Baba Plant Market, has been significantly impacted by this sudden and aggressive action. Samuel Adebayo, a representative of the community, expressed frustration over the lack of notice and the apparent expansion of the plant market into residential areas. Adebayo has attempted to seek assistance from various influential figures but remains uncertain about who can provide immediate help. He highlighted that the community’s existence predates the expansion of the plant market and criticized the authorities for their approach.
Adebayo also pointed out that the demolition started at the plant market, approximately two kilometers away from their community, and eventually extended into Ayetoro. The encroachment has breached the boundary between the market and the residential area, with reports of homes being set on fire as part of the demolition process. The scale of the destruction has had a profound impact on over 3,000 residents, who are now struggling to find shelter and basic necessities.
In response to the allegations, Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Director-General of LASEMA, strongly denied any involvement in the demolitions. Oke-Osanyintolu expressed disbelief at the accusations, emphasizing that LASEMA is a rescue agency dedicated to saving lives, not a demolition team. He argued that LASEMA’s operations are transparent and that any actions taken by the agency are always communicated to the press. The Director-General condemned the suggestion that LASEMA would engage in such destructive behavior and found the allegations to be both painful and unjust.
Attempts to obtain a comment from the Lagos State Police Command were unsuccessful, as their spokesperson did not respond to calls or messages.
This unexpected and severe demolition has thrown the Ayetoro community into a state of crisis, with thousands of residents now facing immediate hardship. The situation underscores the urgent need for intervention and support to assist those affected by this sudden displacement.
