Groups condemn forced evictions, allege human rights abuses in Makoko

Nathan Tamarapreye

Two non-governmental organisations have condemned a renewed and brutal attack on Makoko, a largely fishing and low-income waterfront community in Lagos State, following an ongoing forced eviction exercise allegedly carried out by the state government.

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the Centre for Children’s Health Education Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE), in a joint statement, described the operation as an inhumane and vicious start to the New Year for the urban poor.

The groups called on Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to immediately halt the exercise.

According to the organisations, armed security operatives and suspected thugs were deployed to the community, where houses were reportedly set ablaze with residents’ belongings still inside. They said women, children and elderly persons were left scrambling for safety amid chaos and fear.

Community sources alleged that on January 5, government officials arrived at Makoko without prior notice, accompanied by bulldozers, and began demolitions and arson across the waterfront settlement.

Residents claimed the action went beyond earlier assurances by government representatives that only structures within 30 metres of power lines would be affected.

“We were shocked when they came and started burning houses far beyond what was agreed,” a resident was quoted as saying.

“They arrived around 8 am, firing shots, spraying teargas and seizing people’s boats. Many residents were away at markets, fishing or on holiday, while their homes and properties were being destroyed.

”The residents further alleged that community chiefs were summoned to the Government House to lodge complaints about the presence of bulldozers, only for the demolition to intensify in their absence.

“This is unimaginable. They are bent on driving us away by hook or crook,” the resident added.

HOMEF and CEE-HOPE described the eviction as unlawful, condemnable and a gross violation of human rights, particularly against poor and vulnerable communities.

“It is deeply troubling that instead of protecting citizens, the government and its agents are inflicting more harm, deprivation and insecurity,” said HOMEF Executive Director, Dr Nnimmo Bassey.

“The assault on Makoko is reprehensible. The human and shelter rights of residents must be respected. Enough of this dehumanising treatment of the urban poor, often in collaboration with private developers.”

CEE-HOPE Executive Director, Ms Betty Abah, also criticised the Lagos State Government, accusing it of a pattern of lawlessness in its dealings with low-income communities.

“After the attacks on Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora and the recent mass eviction in Oworonshoki, which displaced tens of thousands, Makoko is once again under siege,” she said.

“In a state facing an acute housing deficit, why does the government persist with forced evictions rather than providing affordable or social housing?”

Abah further questioned why such demolitions often occur without adequate notice, resettlement or compensation, and in alleged defiance of existing court rulings. She lamented the impact on children, many of whom are forced out of school following such evictions.

The groups called on the Lagos State Government to immediately stop the exercise, provide medical care and compensation for affected residents, and adopt slum-upgrading strategies in line with international best practices rather than policies that destroy livelihoods and displace communities.

They urged well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to condemn what they described as unlawful, unwarranted and unacceptable actions against the urban poor.