Co-Director of Justice and Empowerment Initiatives, Megan Chapen has raised concerns over the demolition of the Ilaje-Otumara waterfront community, describing the operation as sudden and devastating for thousands of residents.
Speaking during an interview on SYMFONI TV, Chapen detailed the events surrounding the controversial demolition, which has since sparked a legal battle and drawn attention to housing rights and urban development practices in Lagos.
Providing an account of the incident, Chapen said, “On the 7th of March, five caterpillars and five excavators came into the community from every side, taking the community unawares with touts and police. They brought down the entire community in the space of a few days. 13,000 people were evicted.” Her remarks highlight the scale and speed of the operation, as well as the alleged lack of prior notice to residents.
The demolition of the Ilaje-Otumara waterfront community has become a focal point of legal and human rights discussions, with advocates questioning the process and its compliance with both national and international standards on forced evictions. Chapen emphasized that the displacement of approximately 13,000 people has had far-reaching consequences, leaving many families without shelter or access to basic services….See More
