By Ajibola Adedoye
The New Voice of Lagos, a Civil Society Organization based in Lagos State has condemned in strong terms the alarming escalation of state-sanctioned violence perpetrated by the Lagos State Government through the deployment of thugs during demolition exercises in Ilaje Otumara Community area of Lagos Mainland.
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In a statement signed by Omokehinde Agbe, Executive Director, New Voice of Lagos, the CSO disclosed that Friday’s thuggery attack which caused bodily harm to several journalists while covering the press conference on the recent demolition of Otumara Ilaje
Community is very unfortunate and must be condemned by all well meaning Nigerians.
The statement reads: “We have gathered extensive evidence, including eyewitness accounts, photographic and video documentation, and reports from affected communities, which reveal a pattern of gross human rights violations and blatant disregard for the rule of law.”
According to the statement: “The ongoing demolition of the Oko Baba Sawmill Market and Owode Onirin Spear Part Market has been marked by extreme brutality. Reports indicate the presence of heavily armed thugs, acting in concert with law enforcement, who have terrorized traders, looted their goods, and destroyed their stalls.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos and violence, with traders being physically assaulted and their livelihoods destroyed without prior warning. The lack of adequate notice and compensation has plunged thousands of families into destitution.
“Reports from Ipakere in Noforija, Eredo Local Council Development Area of Epe detail the destruction of market stalls. The loss of these locations has directly impacted the ability of local people to earn a living.
“In areas like Oworonshoki, Orisunmibare, and Otto, demolitions have been carried out with extreme force, leaving residents homeless and traumatized. The use of thugs in
these areas has been particularly egregious, with reports of residents being subjected to physical violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrest. Many of these demolitions have occured with little to no notice. Residents report a lack of any legal documentation being provided before the destruction of their homes.
“While the need for effective drainage systems is acknowledged, especially in Eti-Osa area of Lagos Island, the manner in which these demolitions are being carried out is unacceptable. Residents report a lack of clear demarcation, inconsistent enforcement, and the use of excessive force during these exercises. The destruction of homes and businesses along drainage setbacks has caused
significant economic hardship.”
The Executive Director opined that “the consistent use of thugs in these demolition exercises points to a deliberate strategy by the Lagos State Government to circumvent due process and intimidate citizens.”
These thugs according to him operate with impunity, they often wear no identifiable uniforms or badges, and are seemingly immune from prosecution.
“The use of these groups create a
climate of fear, and prevent citizens from exercising their legal rights” he added.
“A recurring theme in all these incidents is the lack of due process and transparency. Residents are often given little or no notice of impending demolitions, and are denied the opportunity to challenge the legality of these actions. The government has failed to provide clear and consistent information about its demolition plans, leaving communities in a state of uncertainty and fear” he stated.
The Civil Society Organization however calling on Lagos State Government to immediately halt all ongoing and planned demolitions that violate due process and human rights.
They are also calling on the Lagos State House of Assembly to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the use of thugs and the conduct of demolition exercises must be conducted, with all the findings made public.
“All individuals involved in acts of violence and human rights violations, including those who authorized and directed them, must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“All victims of unlawful demolitions must be provided with full compensation for their losses and adequate resettlement options.
“The Lagos State Government must commit to transparency and due process in all future demolition exercises, including providing adequate notice, legal justification, and opportunities for affected communities to participate in decision-making.
“There must be an immediate and permanent end to the use of thugs in any government-related activity while the government must make all demolition plans public, with adequate time for review by the people affected” the statement concluded.
New Voice of Lagos, a Civil Society Organization dedicated to the defence of human rights and the promotion of transparent governance however called on the international community, human rights organizations, and all concerned individuals to collaborate in condemning these egregious acts and demanding justice for the victims.
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