Demolition of a shack in Lagos: fear grips residents of the Ikola Hausa community over the relocation

Fear has gripped residents of Ikola in Agbado-Oke Odo Local Council Development Area of ​​Lagos State following the demolition of shacks and other informal structures under high voltage power lines, just two days after a communal clash reportedly left four people dead.

The demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), in collaboration with the police and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), is aimed at removing structures located within the legal right-of-way of high voltage transmission lines.

However, the operation has increased anxiety among residents, who have expressed fears that the displacement of the occupants could create new tensions if adequate security and relocation measures are not taken.

One resident, Adewale Omoboriola, said the priority should be to prevent another outbreak of violence.

“We want peace in this community. The government may have reasons for the demolition, but people are worried about what might happen next. We need security agencies to stay here and stop anyone from coming back to attack innocent residents,” he said.

Another resident, Ms Hauwa Ibrahim, urged the government to clarify the whereabouts of people displaced by the demolition.

“We don’t want another crisis. If people have been relocated, the community should know where they have been taken and what measures have been taken for them. Security should also be strengthened because no one knows what could happen next,” he said.

The latest intervention followed a violent clash reportedly triggered by a disagreement involving a cyclist and alleged youths from the area over the alleged demand for N200. The clash subsequently intensified, with buildings reportedly set on fire and casualties reported.

While police initially reported three deaths, LASEMA later put the death toll from the communal clash at four.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the affected residents were given adequate notice to evacuate and recover their belongings before the demolition.