Demolition Of Real Estate By Lagos State Government

The Lagos state government commenced the demolition of real estate supposed built on government land at Isefun Ayobo Lagos Nigeria starting Thursday November 6 2008.

The destruction exercise is massive. Buildings affected are brought to the ground from roof down with nothing spared. (see attached pix)

For the last 7 days it has been a tale of tears for the residents of the area. The lagos state government caterpillars accompanied by the police are unrelenting. It's like total war on 'illegal' structures.

A part of the land obviously belongs to the Lagos state government. The state government's billboard has been on that section of the property for as long as I can remember.

However, residents of the area are claiming that the Lagos state government's land does not extend as far as the Isefun village shrine. But from all indications, the property demolition exercise will get that far.

Some residents also claim that the CDA (community development Association) sued the government with regard to the ownership dispute and that the case is currently in court, handled by Gani chambers. They argue that the government's demolition exercise violates their fundamental human rights and the rule of law since the court has issued a stay of execution of demolition.

The residents may be right or wrong. But what is obvious is that these poor people have nowhere to go, no one to run to. Those doing the demolition are sterned-faced government officials with little understanding of the concept of mercy.

Their gun-tooting police men came with black maria to arrest anyone who forments trouble or who resists the real estate demolition exercise.

What hope for the poor? What help does the government intend to offer these displaced persons?

Yes, they may have bought the wrong piece of land and built houses on what now is called government land. But can the government show some mercy? Can they temper justice with mercy?

I think yes.

These people are Nigerians. They are our own blood and flesh. Let's help them relocate as painlessly as possible. Let's relocate them with some pride not like detestable flies.

Their cries for help is ascending straight up to heaven and God is listening.

As I write this, the property demolition exercise is on its 7th day. A flood of tears flow from the Isefun community - theirs of sorrow, of pain, of anguish, of families disoriented and with nowhere to run.

God is listening. I want the Lagos state government to listen too.