The Ghost of Maroko: Soldiers storm Makoko water-front, demolish houses

by Isi Esene

Makoko

Several soldiers, police, and officers from other paramilitary agencies, on Monday, stormed the Makoko (Ilaje) water front area of Lagos, demolishing houses and shanties.

It has been reported that over 2,500 families will be affected by this demolition. There was confusion in the area with people running for cover at the sight of military men in their water surrounded neighbourhood.

Some of the residents interviewed complained that the eviction will alter their way of life and disrupt their means of livelihood. They wondered where the government expects them to go.

At the time of publishing this report, it remains unclear if provision has been made for the relocation of the displaced residents by the Lagos State government.

Makoko is a slum neighbourhood with much of its structures constructed on stilts above the Lagos Lagoon.

One comment

  1. Things are not done this way.

    The proper thing would be to provide an alternative place for them to live. Then to forcefully evict those who remain and then to demolish.

    Where is the human feeling or value for fellowmen in Nigeria? Plus these guys would be very bitter to lose their land if they have no where to go.

    Then Lagos state should not think they can build some nice modern structure without really compensating the Makoko people by resettling them properly.

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