Protests Erupt in Lagos Over Demolitions and Hunger Crisis

Hundreds of demonstrators stormed the streets of Lagos on Friday, marching from the Ikeja Bridge to Alausa, the headquarters of the Lagos State Government. The protest, led by the Take It Back Movement in partnership with various civil society organisations, was aimed at highlighting the dual crises of worsening hunger and the ongoing demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, which have left many residents displaced.

The protesters, who started assembling as early as 7:30 a.m., began their march around 10:00 a.m., moving from Ikeja Bridge toward Alausa, chanting slogans and holding placards with messages such as “Stop the Demolitions,” “End Hunger Now,” and “Government Should Protect the Poor.”

The demonstrators criticized the Lagos State Government for carrying out demolitions in Oworonshoki and other areas, alleging that these actions were anti-poor and done without adequate notice or provision of alternative housing for displaced families.

One of the protesters, identified as Oluwaseun Adeyemi, spoke to PUNCH, stating, “These demolitions have left families on the streets, with no compensation or relocation plan. The government should be concerned about the welfare of its citizens, not just destroying their homes.”

As the march progressed, the protesters reached the State Secretariat complex in Alausa, calling for an audience with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or a representative of his administration. They demanded to present their grievances directly to the governor and urged him to intervene in the ongoing demolitions, which they said were exacerbating the economic hardship of the state’s poor residents.

At the protest, a spokesperson for the Take It Back Movement, Adebayo Adeleke, emphasized, “We are not just protesting for the demolition of homes but also the deepening hunger and inequality that have worsened under this government. The people can no longer bear the brunt of these policies. We need immediate solutions.”

Security measures were in place throughout the protest, with police officers and personnel from the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) stationed along key routes to ensure peace and prevent disruptions. Although the protest remained largely peaceful, there were concerns from residents about the increasing frequency of demolitions and the absence of adequate communication from the government.

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The protest comes amidst growing concerns about the state’s handling of the housing crisis, food insecurity, and economic inequality. The demonstration also highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the policies of the Lagos State Government, particularly the ongoing demolitions in Oworonshoki and other communities.

As the protest unfolded, there was a call for government accountability to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are protected from displacement and provided with necessary support amid economic challenges.

The protesters emphasized the need for inclusive governance and emergency measures to alleviate hunger, housing insecurity, and poverty within Lagos.

As of the time of reporting, the protesters had reached the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, chanting solidarity songs and awaiting a response from the government.