Residents of the Isoko Community in Eti-Osa Local Council of Lagos State have raised alarm over what they described as the unlawful and forceful demolition of their homes and business premises.
The community is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by ordering an independent investigation into the incident.
Beyond the probe, the residents are demanding the identification and prosecution of those responsible, the restoration of demolished property or adequate compensation, protection from further intimidation, and justice for all affected families.
According to community leaders and eyewitness accounts, bulldozers allegedly escorted by armed personnel and individuals linked to government interests stormed the area without prior notice, pulling down residential and commercial structures worth billions of naira.
The demolition reportedly took place despite previous petitions submitted by the community and without any formal response from authorities.
The Isoko community insists it has occupied the land for nearly six decades under a valid 50-year lease agreement with the Ojomu family and claims to possess documents confirming its legal rights to the land.
Residents maintain that these documents were submitted to relevant government offices, yet no official communication preceded the destruction of their properties.
Witnesses also alleged that the community chairman was assaulted during the operation, while properties belonging to at least 14 landlords were destroyed.
The incident was further linked to the death of a resident, Gift Ologbo, who reportedly collapsed upon losing her home and livelihood.
Community chairman, Lucky Ozero, described the demolition as abrupt and devastating, saying decades of peaceful habitation and investment were wiped out in a single morning.
He appealed directly to the President to intervene, stressing that residents were denied any form of fair hearing.
Community secretary, Clements Okeh, said the demolition rendered elderly persons, widows, and families homeless, adding that the exercise amounted to intimidation and a gross violation of their rights.
An elder, Paul Irakpo, revealed that land preparation activities, including sand-filling, began immediately after the demolition, suggesting a pre-planned takeover.
He further alleged that the traditional ruler of the Ojomu family denied authorising the operation.
The community has engaged Rotimi Williams Chambers to pursue legal action, but attempts to obtain official explanations from authorities have reportedly been unsuccessful.
When contacted, the Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi, said he was not aware of the demolition.
Lagos community cries out as homes, businesses demolished without notice
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