Residents of the Ayetoro community in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have raised concerns over the alleged demolition of their homes by Lagos State government officials, particularly the Task Force and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
According to reports, the demolition, which occurred on Monday without any prior notice, has displaced thousands of families, leaving them homeless and distressed.
One resident, Ajimuda Gbenga, told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that policemen and LASEMA officials arrived and demolished their building.
Samuel Adebayo, a community representative, mentioned that he had contacted several prominent figures about the situation but was uncertain who could offer immediate help.
According to him, “This act of inhumanity is unacceptable.”
“The only way forward is to ensure the safety of everyone, and that’s why we are calling on SaharaReporters to help amplify our voices. The situation is dire, and they are deliberately setting fire to people’s homes. We cannot sit back and watch.
When asked who is responsible for the demolitions, he said, “I was told LASEMA and the state government are involved.”
When SaharaReporters contacted the Director-General of LASEMA, Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, he said, “How can an agency swear to protect the safety of people be so reckless.? “How can they set people’s properties on fire?
“As a medical doctor trained to save lives, I find it unimaginable that such an act could occur, I have dedicated nearly 30 years to protecting people and saving lives. How could we now be accused of setting homes on fire? Think about it.”
OluFemi Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the allegation was “painful and unjust.”
He reiterated that LASEMA does not engage in demolitions, he said they are a rescue agency, not a demolition crew.
“Every activity LASEMA conducts is transparent, with the press always informed, from the moment an incident happens, we release a preliminary report, and after the situation is resolved, a confirmatory report follows.”
OluFemi Oke-Osanyintolu added that it is a barbaric and baseless thought to suggest that the agency is involved in the demolitions.
Efforts to get a response from the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls nor respond to messages.
Source: SaharaReporters
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