Residents of a community in Lagos State have been left devastated after suspected land grabbers allegedly demolished about 50 buildings, leaving homeowners counting heavy financial losses.
The incident occurred in the Amikanle area of Surulere community, near the Command axis in Alimosho Local Government Area.
According to residents, the suspected thugs stormed the area and began demanding payments ranging from N15 million to N25 million from property owners.
Residents explained that the money was allegedly demanded as a form of “settlement” or development levy claimed by the land grabbers, who insisted they were the traditional landowners of the area.
In many parts of Lagos, groups known as Omo Onile often demand such payments from developers or homeowners before construction can proceed, claiming ancestral rights to the land.
Sources in the community said the group insisted that every property owner must pay the amount as recognition of their authority over the land, regardless of whether the owners already possessed valid government land documents.
Inside Lagos:
Two killed in renewed Lagos cult-clash
Peller Escapes Generator Fire in Lagos Mansion
Lagos Patients Suffer as JOHESU Extends Hospital Strike
Lagos Woman Goes Missing After Visiting Friend at Hotel
Lagos APC Assistant Publicity Secretary Dies Hours Before Official Inauguration
Those who were unable or unwilling to meet the demands reportedly had their houses demolished by the group, sparking fear and outrage within the community.
Several affected homeowners said the sudden demolition destroyed years of hard work and investment. Many of the victims claimed they possessed documents proving ownership of their properties but were still unable to stop the destruction.
The development has drawn strong condemnation from stakeholders in the real estate sector, who warned that such incidents threaten property rights and investor confidence in Lagos.
A real estate expert and Chief Executive Officer of Oikus, Mr Israel Ihaza, described the situation as disturbing, noting that the activities of land grabbers continue to undermine the rule of law and regulatory structures guiding property ownership.
According to him, lack of transparency and proper documentation within the real estate system often creates opportunities for illegal actors to exploit communities.
He explained that unclear land records, weak enforcement mechanisms, and fragmented property documentation have contributed to the persistence of the Omo Onile problem in many parts of Lagos.
Ihaza added that the demolition of homes affects more than just physical structures, stressing that many families lose life savings, retirement plans, and financial security when such incidents occur.
He also warned that repeated cases of property destruction could discourage investors, including Nigerians in the diaspora who may be reluctant to invest in the country’s real estate sector due to fears of losing their investments.
Legal practitioner Sola Enitan also condemned the situation, describing demolition as a growing tool of extortion in some parts of Nigeria.
He urged affected residents to seek legal redress and defend their rights, emphasizing that the financial consequences of such demolitions are significant.
According to him, dozens of buildings demolished in recent times represent billions of naira in lost investments and also worsen the housing shortage in the state.
Residents are now calling on government authorities and security agencies to intervene, investigate the incident, and bring those responsible to justice while ensuring stronger protection for property owners.
About the Author
