Displaced residents of Makoko led a large protest from the Ikeja under-bridge toward Alausa on Tuesday, saying recent demolition exercises have left thousands homeless and triggered a growing humanitarian crisis.
Organisers said the action quickly drew other aggrieved Lagosians — including spare-parts traders and civil-society groups — turning a neighbourhood march into a broader show of anger.
“Thousands of families have been rendered homeless following demolitions in Makoko, Badia, Shogunle and parts of Ifako,” Zikora Ibeh of Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) told the crowd, accusing the Lagos government of carrying out “arbitrary and inhumane” evictions and of failing to use funds earmarked for Makoko’s upgrade.
Hassan Soweto, of the protest coordinating committee, said the state had defied court orders that bar evictions without resettlement plans and linked the demolitions to rising rents and a widening housing deficit.
“We have recorded deaths during demolition exercises,” he said, adding that the campaign aims to force the government to stop the clearances and pay compensation.
Protesters marched along major arteries into Alausa, briefly blocking traffic near the Lagos State House of Assembly as police negotiators engaged leaders — a pattern seen during earlier Makoko demonstrations.
Media and video from the scene show banners demanding an end to “land-grabbing” and calls for urgent resettlement and aid.
Organisers said spare-parts dealers from Owode and other markets joined the march.
The traders from Owode-Onirin have a history of mass protests over demolitions and market clearances.
Demonstrators also handed over a mock coffin as a symbol of lives lost in demolitions.
Our reporters at the scene described the act as part of a peaceful but emotive procession.
Rights groups and activists called for a halt to demolitions and immediate, transparent relief for displaced families.
