Alleged land grabbers, Lagos govt officials set ablaze two communities in forceful eviction of thousands

The Lagos state government has forcefully displaced two – Ayetoro and Okobaba, leaving hundreds of families homeless.

It was gathered that the demolition commenced in the middle of the night without prior notice.

One resident of the community, Ajimuda Gbenga who sent a distressed message to our reporter said the arsonists who were armed with guns, petrol and lighters, displaced at least 3,000 people.

The message reads in part, “Police came to Ayetoro community to open fire at people’s building without any form of notification. Over 3,000 people have been stranded since last night till this moment. No place to sleep or move to.”

It was gathered that the attackers came with no documents, and did not seek an audience with leaders of the communities upon their arrival. They doused the buildings with petrol and set it ablaze.

Gbenga confirmed this to TheNiche in his WhatsApp message. “As it is, nobody knows who sent the police. But they seem to be doing an undercover job for someone because they never allowed the demolition to be recorded.”

Child rights activist and founder of CEE-HOPE, Betty Abah posted photos of the demolition on her X handle, with the accompanied post; “Dear friends, Lagos State @followlasg in cahoot with land grabbers struck yet another community, this time #Okobaba & #Ayetoro. Ayetoro is burning as we speak, thousands displaced, casualty figures still unknown.”