Residents of Langbasa and Harmony Estate in Eti-Osa Local Council Area of Lagos have lamented the demolition of homes, shops and kiosks following an ongoing road construction project initiated by the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The project, aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic development in the community, covers Oba Elejigbo Street, Mallam Eshinlokun Street and parts of Kingsley Osuh Avenue.

The construction is being handled by Visible Construction Limited and is expected to last about 15 weeks, although officials said the broader scope of the project could extend to six months or more.

Residents expressed mixed reactions to the demolition exercise. While some residents whose properties were not affected described the project as long overdue, others said the road would improve mobility and living conditions in the area.

“This is a welcome development. Good roads will improve business and even bring solar street lights,” a resident said.

However, residents of the Osho area and adjoining streets, including Abel Abayomi Street, said the demolition had left many families displaced and traders counting losses.

Many affected residents described the exercise as sudden and devastating, alleging that they were not given adequate notice before demolition equipment arrived.

“Heavy machines moved in and started pulling down buildings. We were not given enough time to prepare,” a resident said.

Some affected residents appealed to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene, citing lack of compensation and relocation plans.

A trader, Mallam Mohammed Sheriff, said many families had been rendered homeless.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid. People are sleeping outside,” he said.

Mr Joshua Ogunmeye, whose father’s property was affected, questioned the level of communication from authorities.

“A large part of our compound was taken. There was no clear compensation plan or proper notice,” he said.

Eyewitnesses also said the demolition extended to sensitive areas, including graves.

A relative of the late Baale of the community said the family had to exhume and rebury their loved one to allow the project to continue.

“We accepted it as part of development, but it was painful. The road will pass through that area,” he said.

Another resident, identified as Madam Londoner, lamented the partial destruction of her building.

“I spent so much building this house to roofing level, but now half of it is gone,” she said.

Residents further said the demolition disrupted electricity supply in the area after power infrastructure was damaged during the exercise.

Government officials, however, maintained that the demolition followed consultations with stakeholders, including the traditional ruler of Langbasa, community leaders and residents.

According to an official, a stakeholders’ meeting was held where residents agreed that the project should proceed despite the demolition.

The monarch was also said to have appealed for cooperation to allow the completion of the Ebi Ijugbo Masquerade Festival before full-scale construction commenced.

Another official described the project as a major state government intervention aimed at improving infrastructure and security in the community.

“This is a capital-intensive project aimed at improving infrastructure and security. It is not targeted at residents but at development,” the official said.

“The duty of the government is to ensure safety and proper environmental standards. The road will benefit the entire community,” the source added.

Despite the assurances, many residents insisted that the human cost of the demolition had been severe and called for urgent intervention, compensation and clearer resettlement plans.