Lagos Demolitions Displace 50,000 Residents, Destroy 5,000 Homes, Amnesty International Says
Amnesty International has accused the Lagos State Government of carrying out forced demolitions that displaced about 50,000 residents and destroyed 5,000 homes in Makoko between December 2025 and January 2026.
The human rights organisation also alleged that demolition exercises in Makoko, Oworonshoki and Mile 12 resulted in deaths, destruction of schools and healthcare facilities, and loss of livelihoods.
Amnesty International disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, following research conducted between October 12 and 16, 2026. The investigation reportedly documented continued forced evictions in the affected communities.
According to the organisation, several residents lost their homes without adequate notice, proper consultation or alternative accommodation. It also alleged that police officers worked alongside thugs during some of the demolition operations.
The Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the Lagos State Government had been carrying out forced evictions since March 2016 as part of its urban development plans.
Sanusi argued that the government’s vision of developing a mega city should not come at the expense of low-income residents who are left homeless without proper arrangements.
He also alleged that some families had their homes demolished while they were still asleep, describing the situation as a disregard for due process and human rights.
Amnesty International further reported that the latest demolition exercises destroyed 42 schools, 20 healthcare clinics and several places of worship. Residents also reported at least 12 deaths linked to the operations, including incidents allegedly involving tear gas exposure and building collapses.
In Oworonshoki’s Mosafejo and Idiaraba communities, residents reportedly associated more than 30 deaths with trauma, medical neglect and exposure following the demolitions.
The organisation also said the affected areas lost more than 30 private schools, over 25 churches and 10 mosques.
In Mile 12, residents reported that more than 250 houses were demolished in one area, leaving families without shelter, compensation or alternative accommodation.
Amnesty International added that at least 14 residents were arrested and detained for about a month following protests against the demolitions in Oworonshoki.
The demolitions have also affected residents’ sources of income and access to essential services. In Makoko, families who depend on fishing reportedly lost their homes, boats, fishing nets and engines.
The organisation noted that children, pregnant women and older people were particularly affected by the disruption to healthcare, education and access to adequate shelter.
Amnesty International also said residents had initially been informed that demolitions would only affect buildings located beneath high-tension electricity lines. However, the operations allegedly extended beyond the areas residents expected to be affected.
The organisation further stated that residents had approached the court and obtained a Federal High Court judgment in July 2025 restraining the Lagos State Government from demolishing the community. It alleged that demolition activities continued despite the judgment.
Sanusi called on the state government to respect court orders and human rights standards, provide affected families with adequate shelter and compensation where necessary, and restore access to essential services.
Amnesty International urged the Lagos State Government to investigate the reported forced evictions, ensure accountability for alleged abuses and provide remedies for affected residents.
The organisation also called for an end to demolition practices that leave low-income communities homeless without proper consultation, sufficient notice, compensation or alternative accommodation.
When contacted for a response, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, did not answer calls or respond to a WhatsApp message sent by the newspaper as of the time the report was filed.
