By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command fired teargas canisters at residents who were protesting ongoing demolitions across different parts of the state.
The protesters gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, Ikeja, on Wednesday, January 28, when they were teargassed.
The protest was to express opposition to demolitions affecting Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, and Ijora-Badia with the protesters, comprising activists and residents, accusing the state government of carrying out the exercises without adequate consultation, compensation or resettlement plans.
They had earlier converged on Ikeja underbridge on Wednesday morning before marching to the Assembly complex.
Journalists covering the protest were also affected by the teargas, while some of the protesters were arrested by the police.
Recall that the Lagos State government commenced demolitions across several slum and waterfront settlements in the state since late 2025, saying the action was carried out to avert tragedy and to remove structures on power-line setbacks.
While defending the demolitions, particularly the ongoing demolitions in Makoko, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the government is committed to the safety of lives and property.
Speaking on Monday, January 19, after signing the N4.4 trillion 2026 appropriation bill into law, Sanwo-Olu alleged that the protest against the demolitions was because some local and international NGOs want to profit from it.
The governor noted that a lot of people had built shanties under high-tension wires, adding that the demolitions are to avoid encroachment on the Third Mainland Bridge.
The demolition of slum settlements in the state has seen rights groups and civil society organisations repeatedly calling on the government to adopt inclusive urban renewal policies that balance development with human rights protection.
