Mile 12 Residents Protest Alleged Unannounced Demolition of Over 200 Homes in Lagos

Tension and heartbreak have gripped Mile 12 Central in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State as residents protest the demolition of more than 200 houses in their community, an exercise they claim was carried out without prior notice.

Emotional scenes unfolded as affected residents, many now homeless, took their grievances to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday, pleading for urgent intervention. Some residents broke down in tears, lamenting the sudden loss of their homes and properties.

One distraught woman, fighting back tears, questioned the manner in which the demolition was carried out. She expressed shock that heavy machinery was deployed without warning, leaving families stranded and uncertain about their future.

According to the residents, the demolition began on Monday when officials said to be from the Lagos State task force and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) reportedly moved into the community and started pulling down buildings. They insist no form of notification or eviction notice was issued before the operation commenced.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Chairman of the Council Development Area, Tunde Ogundele, described the action as unfair and distressing. He said the scale of the demolition had already exceeded 200 houses, with more structures still being brought down.

Ogundele explained that after meeting with community representatives, residents agreed to approach the House of Assembly to seek help and appeal for the exercise to be halted.

At the Assembly complex, protesters displayed placards calling for an end to what they described as illegal demolition. Some of the messages appealed directly to the Lagos State Government, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and save the community from further destruction.

The residents maintain that they are not opposed to lawful development but insist that due process must be followed, especially when people’s homes and livelihoods are at stake. As of the time of the protest, many families remained displaced, unsure of where to turn next.