Residents of Ojileru, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Streets in Oworonsoki, Lagos, have cried out after bulldozers reportedly demolished their homes around midnight on Sunday — despite a subsisting court order halting further demolitions.
Eyewitnesses said over 70 houses were flattened without warning, leaving scores of families — including the elderly, pregnant women, and children — stranded in the cold.
“This is inhumane,” lamented Mr. Adewale, one of the victims. “The court stopped this demolition. Yet, they came at night and destroyed everything.”
Another resident, Mrs. Adenike, heavily pregnant, recounted fleeing barefoot with her children as bulldozers tore through the neighbourhood.
The Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Association (CDA) said no compensation or proper enumeration was done, contrary to official claims.
Legal representatives confirmed that the injunction by Justice A.G. Balogun remains valid, calling the demolition a “flagrant contempt of court.”
Community leaders have appealed to the Lagos State Government and human rights groups to intervene and restore justice to the displaced families, as the once-thriving community now lies in ruins and despair.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo