Voices of anger and frustration filled the streets of Ikeja on Monday as community leaders and displaced residents marched through the Underbridge area to the Lagos State House of Assembly, protesting the destruction of waterfront communities across the state.
The protesters, drawn from several demolished settlements, said they had been rendered homeless following what they described as sudden and forceful evictions. Bearing placards and chanting solidarity songs, they accused the state government of carrying out demolitions without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement plans, leaving families exposed to hardship and uncertainty.
According to the demonstrators, the demolitions have not only wiped out homes but also destroyed livelihoods, particularly for residents who depend on fishing, petty trading, and other informal economic activities tied to waterfront living. Community leaders warned that the continued displacement of residents under the guise of urban renewal was worsening poverty and social inequality.
At the Lagos State House of Assembly, the protesters appealed directly to lawmakers to intervene, urging them to halt further demolitions and push for dialogue between the government and affected communities. They insisted that development should be people-centred and not come at the expense of the most vulnerable.
Security operatives were deployed around the protest areas to maintain order, while activities in the vicinity continued under close monitoring. The protesters vowed to sustain their advocacy until concrete steps are taken to protect waterfront communities and address the plight of displaced residents.
Shopeju Olateju
NaijaTravels News