The Lagos State Government has sealed a construction site meant for a proposed cemetery in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, following strong opposition from residents who raised environmental and health concerns. The decision came after members of the Natufe/Animashaun community staged a peaceful protest despite heavy rainfall on Saturday morning.

Protesters, carrying placards with messages such as “No Cemetery in Our Community,” warned that the burial ground would contaminate their borehole water and pose serious health risks to nearby homes, schools, and churches. They accused the developer, Olumide Amure, of resuming construction illegally despite previous objections from the community.

Reacting to the outcry, the Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that the government had taken immediate steps to halt the project. “The burial ground site has been sealed, and no such project will be developed there. The people need not worry,” he assured.

Community leaders expressed relief but urged the government to ensure that the ban is permanent. Mrs. Omolabake Braimoh, Chairperson of the Natufe/Animashaun Community Development Association (CDA), said the developer had tried to establish a similar cemetery two years ago. She noted that residents rely solely on borehole water and fear contamination if burials are allowed nearby.

A former CDA chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, echoed these concerns, warning that constructing a cemetery within a residential area would be disastrous. “Once burials begin here, the groundwater will be polluted, and that will affect everyone. This is not development, it’s an invitation to disaster,” he said. The government has since confirmed that the site will remain sealed pending further investigation, assuring residents that no cemetery would be allowed in the zone.