Makoko Residents Forced Into Boats After Demolition

The heavy rains on Friday exacerbated the dire situation for evicted residents of Makoko, a vast informal settlement in Lagos, as they sought refuge from the downpour.

This relentless rain served as a harsh reminder of their homelessness, not due to lack of resources, but rather as an outcome of state-sanctioned demolitions that destroyed their homes.

The clamor of bulldozers shattered the tranquility of Makoko on December 22, 2025, as they demolished structures standing within 30 meters of high-tension wires. However, the destruction extended beyond this safety margin, resulting in thousands of houses being torn down and a substantial increase in homelessness.

The demolitions mark the third such exercise undertaken by different administrations since 2005, when the Lagos state government first began viewing the community as an eyesore. The most recent round left many residents vulnerable, struggling to cope without shelter.

Israel Idowu, a lifelong resident whose family home was razed, criticized the state's actions as inhumane, stating that the demolitions have crippled livelihoods and disrupted the education of children for over a month.

"Our leaders are unjust; they have not considered future generations. The familiar phrase ‘Leave no child behind’ is contradicted by their actions, which jeopardize children's futures. Our community's schools, which once served almost 900 students, now have dwindled to about 200 after the demolition, leaving many children unable to attend school. Where have the others gone? This has eroded their education and livelihoods,” he lamented.

He recounted harrowing incidents from the day of the demolition, including the tragic death of an infant who succumbed to tear gas during a protest and the fatality of a pregnant woman due to lack of medical assistance amidst the chaos.

Idowu conveyed his frustration, questioning the government’s characterization of their settlement as illegal. He accused authorities of misleading the public, claiming their stated intention to protect residents from dangers posed by the power lines was a facade that disguised ulterior motives.

He urged that if the government had fulfilled its obligation, non-governmental organizations wouldn’t need to intervene in their community. He asserted, “The government has made minimal contributions to Makoko’s development, and it's shameful to accuse NGOs of taking advantage of our plight.”

In the aftermath of the demolitions, many residents report living under increasingly harsh conditions. Michellia Faton expressed distress in the Egun language, revealing that many families have turned to boats and makeshift shelters as their new homes.

"We can no longer stay in houses; we sleep inside boats and canoes, or in open spaces exposed to the elements. Our family units have been torn apart, and we often have to beg for food. Some sleep in friends' rooms or churches while others endure the rain and sun,” she stated.

Sylvanus Moses corroborated these sentiments, explaining that exposure to the unpredictable weather has made life unbearable as many now seek refuge from the rain in whatever they can find.

Isaac Dosugan, a long-time resident of Makoko, shared that the demolitions have led to health issues among the displaced. "We have become homeless and subject to various health problems due to living in unacceptable conditions. I mourned bitterly when it rained recently because it reminded me of how we suffered after the demolitions,” he recounted.

In response to the ongoing demolitions, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, defended the actions taken by the government. He emphasized that the demolitions were part of a larger urban renewal initiative designed to improve living conditions.

According to him, the government has invested in partnerships for the renewal plans, revealing concerns over public safety regarding structures built near high-tension electricity lines. He asserted, “Our focus is urban renewal—enhancing living standards for citizens. The government cannot allow residents to remain in perilous situations.”

Omotoso insisted that legislation surrounding building near hazardous areas exists to protect lives and to promote orderly development. He warned that failing to enforce these laws would set a precarious precedent for urban planning.

Ultimately, he reiterated the state's commitment to transforming vulnerable communities into safely planned areas conducive to modern living standards, stating that this initiative is not about displacing people for the wealthy but ensuring what is right and safe for human habitation.