Residents of Surulere Estate in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have accused the council chairman, Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, of masterminding an ongoing demolition exercise that has left more than 50 houses destroyed and dozens of families homeless since January 28.
An affected resident, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that the demolition is being carried out by over 300 armed thugs led by a man identified as Bolu, with armed police officers from Zone 2 and officials of the Lagos State Taskforce allegedly providing security cover.
According to the resident, the demolition is concentrated around Surulere Estate near Subaru-Oje Village in Alagbado-Oke Odo and has been marked by intimidation, looting and extortion, forcing many homeowners to sleep on the streets.
The source claimed that Johnson, popularly referred to in the area as “Ejigbadero” or “Omo Onile”—a term commonly used to describe land grabbers—rarely appears publicly but allegedly coordinates the demolition through proxies.
“This demolition started on January 28 and it’s still ongoing. Sadly, there are no signs that it will end anytime soon,” the resident said. “Residents are helpless while buildings and structures worth millions of naira are being destroyed.”
The resident alleged that the demolition team initially marked houses, claiming they were acting on the directive of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). However, the FHA reportedly denied authorising the exercise and distanced itself from the demolition.
Despite the denial, the source said the team returned the following day with bulldozers and hundreds of thugs and commenced widespread destruction of residential buildings.
According to the resident, more than 50 houses have so far been affected, with some completely demolished and others partially destroyed. The source further alleged that residents were being extorted to prevent their houses from being pulled down.
“They demand N75 million for a full plot, N45 million for a half plot and N25 million for a quarter plot,” the resident said.
The source maintained that although thugs were carrying out the demolitions, the operation was allegedly directed by the council chairman.
“They are acting on his orders. Everyone here knows he is behind it, but he stays away during the day,” the resident alleged.
Looting reportedly follows each demolition, with gates, iron rods, ceilings, windows, generators and other household items allegedly carted away and sold to scrap dealers in full view of residents.
Residents also claimed they were prevented from documenting the demolition, alleging that anyone caught taking photos or videos was beaten or intimidated.
Efforts to seek help from authorities were reportedly unsuccessful. Residents said visits to the local government office and police formations yielded no assistance.
Many displaced families are now reportedly sleeping outdoors, with children separated from their parents and residents living in conditions likened to those of internally displaced persons.
