Residents of Nigerias Makoko community protest colonial-era inspired demolitions

Thousands Displaced as Lagos Authorities Demolish Homes in Makoko Floating Village

In late December, a demolition operation began in Makoko, a historic fishing village in Lagos, Nigeria, displacing thousands of residents. The Lagos State government claimed the demolitions were necessary due to proximity to an electric power line and required the community to move back 100 meters from the water’s edge.

However, nonprofit organizations working with the community reported that the demolitions took place between 250 and 500 meters inside the settlement, destroying homes and rendering thousands homeless. The operation resulted in the death of more than 12 people, including two infants, according to NGOs.

The Makoko residents, who are predominantly fishermen, have been living on stilts along the coast for decades. The community is an economic hub, serving markets around the city with fresh and dried seafood. However, poverty and lack of government development and social infrastructure have made it a slum.

The demolitions were halted earlier this month after the Lagos State House of Assembly ordered an end to the operation. Despite the halt, authorities have continued to demolish homes beyond the initial 100-meter mark.

Residents are struggling to cope with their new state of homelessness, with many forced to sleep on mats under a shed outside a pastor’s house while searching for lost belongings and trying to figure out their next steps. The community’s barber shop was also demolished during the operation.

The Lagos State government has not announced plans to resettle or compensate victims. Community leaders have expressed frustration, stating that authorities did not stop at the designated 100-meter mark but continued to demolish the entire settlement.

Source: Al Jazeera