Journalists covering the demolition of houses in Otumara Village, off Apapa Road in Lagos Mainland, were attacked by thugs suspected to be working for the Lagos State government. The incident, which left several journalists injured, occurred as they prepared to report on the demolition that has displaced over 5,000 residents.
Segun Adeboboye, one of the affected journalists, confirmed the attack to SaharaReporters, stating that about 15 journalists from six to seven media houses were targeted. The thugs, armed with batons, assaulted the journalists, stole their phones and gadgets, and damaged their equipment.
The Brutal Assault on Media Personnel
Adeboboye recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that the thugs arrived in a vehicle with a plate number linked to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). “They beat us mercilessly, and some of them were armed with batons,” he said. Adeboboye was struck multiple times with a baton, and other journalists were also injured before community members intervened to rescue them.
The journalists, including Oluwatosin Sanni of News Buster, Gbenga Adewale of Seefame News, and Aigboje Ikhuoria of ITV, were forced to prioritize their safety and leave the area despite pleas from residents to stay for a scheduled press conference.
Amnesty International Condemns Forced Evictions
The demolition in Otumara Village, which took place on March 7, 2025, has drawn condemnation from global human rights organization Amnesty International. The eviction, carried out without consultation, adequate notice, compensation, or alternative housing, left over 10,000 residents homeless.
Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, criticized the Lagos State government for its “ruthless campaign of demolition,” which violates international human rights laws. The organization noted that the eviction defied a subsisting court order from June 22, 2017, and accused the government of repeatedly using forced evictions to dispossess impoverished residents of their land.
Armed Forces and Thugs Used in Demolition
According to Amnesty International, the demolition was carried out by armed security forces accompanied by unidentified men, commonly known as “area boys,” who were armed with machetes, guns, and axes. Many residents were injured during the operation, and some families reported missing children.
The organization called on the Lagos State government to halt mass evictions, investigate the use of violence, and provide effective remedies to those whose rights have been violated.
Impact on Otumara Residents
The demolition has had a devastating impact on the Otumara community, with thousands of residents losing their homes and livelihoods. Many are now staying in a school serving as a temporary shelter, while others are stranded without access to basic necessities.
Residents have accused the Lagos State government of failing to fulfill its promises to upgrade the community with necessary facilities, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and displacement.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
The attack on journalists and the forced eviction of Otumara residents have sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Human rights organizations and activists are urging the Lagos State government to address the grievances of affected communities and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Amnesty International emphasized the need for Lagos to become an inclusive city, stating, “A mega Lagos must not come at the expense of the lives and livelihoods of communities living in poverty.”
