Midnight Bulldozers Leave Oworonshoki Families Homeless

By Daniji Emmanuel
Oworonshoki in Lagos State has once again become the scene of chaos and despair as fresh demolitions have thrown hundreds of families into the streets. In the early hours of September 6, 2025, bulldozers escorted by security operatives stormed the Ojuleru area, tearing down homes while residents slept. Men, women and children were forced out into the dark with no time to gather their belongings. By morning, entire families were stranded without shelter, their lives reduced to rubble overnight.
This latest incident follows a series of demolition exercises that have gripped the community since 2023. Earlier in March this year, task force officials and police swept through parts of Coker, Oke-Eri and Mosafejo, pulling down houses within days of arrival. Residents complained of receiving little or no notice and accused officials of looting properties and using excessive force. Many believe the demolitions are not just about urban renewal but a push to clear out the poor for new estates targeted at the wealthy.
Community associations have repeatedly written appeals to the Lagos State Government, demanding a halt to the operations. They want fair checks on property documents, proper compensation, and support for displaced families. They argue that development should include them, not erase them. Youth groups have also raised alarm, insisting that thousands of residents have already been forced out and accusing the government of turning Oworonshoki into a playground for the rich.
Across the community, the humanitarian toll is visible. Families now sleep in makeshift shelters, children are out of school, and many victims are struggling with illness and hunger. For some, decades of hard work and savings have been lost in a single night. Civic groups and activists are urging the state government to suspend further demolitions, provide urgent relief and resettlement, and give victims justice. The Lagos State House of Assembly has also been called upon to step in before the crisis deepens any further.