At least five persons have reportedly died following a demolition exercise in Makoko Ilaje Aiyetoro Community, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, with residents accusing authorities of inhumane treatment.

Three of the victims were said to have died inside boats where they took refuge after their homes were pulled down, while two others reportedly succumbed to health complications after inhaling tear gas fired by police to disperse residents.

It was learnt that thousands of residents have been displaced in the waterfront community. When The Guardian visited the area for the second time, more structures had been demolished in Makoko, which has repeatedly faced forced evictions linked to government-led redevelopment projects.

While the government cited urban development as justification for the demolition, civil society organisations and residents have called for alternatives and resettlement plans for vulnerable families.

The community, whose residents have lived on stilts over water for generations, largely survives on fishing and small-scale trading. A mother of three, Funmilayo Sotan, said the government ought to have issued quit notices instead of carrying out what she described as abrupt displacement.

“I have three children who are in school. We lost many lives in this incident. People in government who decided to displace us have roofs over their heads while we are sleeping in open air. They did this without the fear of God or consideration for human lives,” she said.

Another resident, Digbo Jiwvo, said hunger and homelessness had compounded their suffering.

“We are hungry and we have also been rendered homeless. The government rolled in bulldozers and came with police firing tear gas at us without restraining them.

“A child and an elderly man died on Friday, January 23, 2026 as a result of the tear gas fired by the police. Police officers also set boats on fire. We are appealing to the government to give us a little time. We can’t fight the government, we need help, and we have lost a lot. Three persons died inside boats last week, so it’s hard on everyone,” he said.

An 89-year-old resident, Solomon Wesu, said the authorities had gone beyond the agreed distance residents were asked to move away from power lines.

“We support that people should move some metres away from the powerline but the government has moved beyond the metres they told us. The government should have a meeting with us and tell us where we should go to. We were treated like animals. We also learnt that the land has been sold but no one knows. I am a clergy, so where will my members go to from here,” he said.

A senior police officer told The Guardian that residents refused to vacate the area despite warnings.

“The people refused to leave after being told to and the government had to disperse them. Tear gas is a minimal force. Rubber bullets were not used, so acceptable means were applied. They are violators,” the officer said. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command said it would investigate the use of tear gas during the demolition.