The Merit Newspaper’s Correspondent
LEKKI, LAGOS — Just weeks after issuing a fresh demolition notice, the Lagos State Government has commenced the first phase of demolition in Jakande Estate, Lekki, leaving residents in tears, confusion, and panic. On Sunday, April 6, 2025, bulldozers from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), escorted by heavily armed security personnel, stormed the estate to begin pulling down marked buildings.
The operation—currently ongoing at the time of filing this report—follows up on a demolition warning issued on March 17, 2025, by LASBCA, which gave residents a three-day ultimatum to vacate illegal or distressed structures. Despite residents’ pleas for dialogue, compensation, and relocation arrangements, the demolition is now being carried out in full force.
Teargas and Tension
Eyewitnesses report that security agents accompanying the demolition team fired teargas canisters to disperse passersby and individuals who attempted to resist the exercise. Business owners, civil servants, and low-income tenants were seen frantically salvaging what they could from their homes and shops as excavators reduced buildings to rubble.
A Merit Newspaper correspondent, present at the scene, witnessed chaotic scenes as families cried out for help, uncertain of where they would sleep tonight.
“This is heartless,” a weeping woman shouted while dragging out a mattress from her now half-demolished apartment. “They gave us notice, yes—but where do they expect us to go without support?”
A Recurring Pattern
This demolition marks exactly one year since the demolition of mosques; churches; shops and illegal structures in the estate which was launched on March 11, 2024—ironically during the Islamic month of Ramadan. At that time, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the action was aimed at clearing the coastal road path for the proposed Lagos-Calabar Highway and urban renewal plans.
Despite that announcement, many affected residents and owners of the illegal structures claimed they never received the promised compensation.
“No Official Communication” – Residents
Some residents say they only learned of today’s demolition from neighbors and social media. “There was no public address. No direct engagement. Just fear and rumors—until the bulldozers arrived this morning,” said a civil servant who requested anonymity.
A youth leader in the estate decried the use of force, saying, “Why tear gas innocent people? Why demolish homes on a Sunday, a sacred day for many? The government must be more humane.”
Call for Government Intervention
With more structures slated for demolition, residents are renewing calls for the Lagos State Government to halt the operation and begin a transparent dialogue. They demand clarity on compensation, housing alternatives, and timelines to allow dignified relocation.
“We are not opposing development,” a landlord said, “but development should not destroy lives. Talk to us. Involve us.”
As the demolition continues, all eyes are now on Alausa to see whether the state government will respond to the cries of its citizens—or continue its bulldozing mission regardless of public sentiment.
