Three landlords died from shock and eight others were admitted to hospital after officials of Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and security agents and hoodlums destroyed 200 buildings in Oke-Ira Community, within the Igbogbo Bayeku Local Council Development Area of state.

Punch reports that three landlords died of shock during the 10-hour demolition.

Due to the trauma caused by the demolition, at least eight landlords had to be hospitalized.

After the demolition, more residents and landlords were left homeless.

The publication reports that the government team invaded the community around 10 a.m. after some residents and landlords had left for work.

According to the report, residents and landlords claimed that, although they did not present a demolition order for the property, Engineer Omotoso, one of the officials from the government, claimed that they were following orders from Babajide Sanwo–Olu, the state governor.

The community members affected claimed that the demolition team had prevented them from reclaiming their property because they were still in progress.

Punch was told by Akinkunmi Olapade, a landlord in the area, that hundreds of relatives were affected by the demolition.

He stated that the building's value was N25 million. I was awakened by the presence of some government officials in the area, including soldiers, policemen, and hoodlums as well as bulldozers from Lagos State Town Planning.

"I met with policemen and was directed to Engineer Omotoso who stated that they were visiting the community for demolition. New Life Estate saw over 100 buildings being demolished. The remaining 100 buildings were still on Oke Ira Family Land.

"They didn't give us notice that they were going to demolish buildings. They just came in and began. Every day, I sleep in my car as I speak to them. My family was at a friend's house. The room couldn't hold all of us so I said I would find somewhere else. I've been sleeping in my car.

"Some landlords were hospitalized after the hoodlums inflicted injuries on them. Two deaths have been recorded as a result of the hoodlums destroying their homes in their presence. They then collapsed and were taken to hospital, where they later died. Mr. Omotayo was one of the landlords who died.

Oba Semiudeen Kazali, the Adeboruwa from the Igbogbo kingdom, made a plea for calm and assured the victims that justice would be done.

He stated, "I am aware that there was mischief in the events but God will lead us to the right path." It won't be for the sake of those who have already died. God will allow them to rest in peace. "I believe God's grace does not end at a particular place. God will never leave you."


Benjamin Hundeyin (State Police Public Relations Officer) said that he wasn't aware of the incident.

Source: https://aderonkebamidele.com/three-die-as-lagos-ministry-police-and-hoodlums-demolish-200-buildings/