Victims of alleged illegal demolition in Alagbado appeal for Lagos Government intervention

By Ganiyat Mumuni

Residents of Surulere Estate, Suberu–Oje, Alagbado, Lagos, have appealed to the Lagos State Government for urgent intervention following what they described as an illegal demolition that left over 70 houses destroyed and hundreds of residents displaced.

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According to affected residents, the demolition occurred between January 26 and 27, 2026, when a large group of armed men, allegedly accompanied by police officers from Zone 2 Police Station, Alagbado, stormed the community and began pulling down houses, shops, and perimeter fences.

Eyewitnesses reported that over 300 armed individuals, including those claiming to be Deputy Sheriff’s Office officials, carried out the operation using heavy-duty equipment, including caterpillars.

The group reportedly said they were enforcing a court judgment for immediate eviction on behalf of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

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Residents, however, insist that no prior notice, court warrant, or eviction order was served on the community before the demolition.

One resident, who spoke to journalists, said fear prevented residents from resisting the invasion.

“We couldn’t do anything because they were armed. They came in broad daylight with caterpillars and demolished our fences and buildings,” he said.

The resident further explained that attempts to seek clarification and justice had so far yielded no results.

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“We went to the Lagos State Police Command, and they said the order did not come from them. We also visited the Federal Housing Authority, and they stated that they were unaware of the demolition. We approached the Lagos State House of Assembly and even met the member representing our constituency, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, but we have not received any positive response,” he added.

Another distraught resident said many families have now been rendered homeless.

“We have lived in this estate for over 21 years. Our houses have been destroyed, and we have nowhere else to go. We built these homes with our hard-earned money.”

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The residents are calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to urgently investigate the incident, identify those responsible, and halt any further demolition in the area.

As of the time of filing this report, no official response has been issued by the relevant authorities.