Lagos demolitions leave thousands homeless in Makoko

Excavators have demolished homes in Makoko, a 19th-century fishing community in Lagos, leaving thousands of residents homeless, community leaders said. Leaders in Makoko and two nearby settlements said at least 10,000 people lost their homes in a demolition process that began in late December and was ongoing Friday.

Community leaders and humanitarian groups said at least four people had died during the demolitions, including two infants and a 70-year-old woman who they said suffered respiratory issues after tear gas was fired to scatter families trying to protect their homes. A spokesman for the Lagos State government declined to comment on reports of deaths and pointed to news stories citing the government’s position that the demolition was necessary for safety—to move residents away from a nearby power line that could someday fall—and for urban planning.

Families settled in Makoko in the 1800s and live in small stilted shacks on the lagoon, where they fish and smoke fish for city markets and reach the settlement by canoe. State officials had told residents homes could not exist within 30 meters of the power line and later extended that distance to 100 meters; Makoko leaders said they planted a flag at the 100-meter mark but that amphibious excavators tore down homes well past the flag.

Nonprofit groups working with residents used aerial photos to estimate demolitions reached as far as 500 meters from the power line.

Key Topics

World, Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos State Government, Power Line