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Thousands of residents were rendered homeless following demolition of houses at Isale Iwaya, Abete area of Yaba, Lagos by the Ministry of Physical Planning today, Friday August 18,2017.
Our reporter gathered that the residents were seen in tears as they managed to hurriedly try to pack as much property as they can while some had no opportunity to take anything before the demolition.
Some residents also chattered Volks-Wagen busses as about 12 were seen with several other buses and trucks helping to evacuate their property before the demolition got to them.
A resident, John Nkwocha said that they were not issued any notice before the demolition commenced.
“We were not given any notice, we just woke up to see their caterpillars pulling down our houses. As you can see, we are just struggling to pack few property we could lay our hands on.” he said.
Another resident, Taiwo Ajagbe however, said that they had been notified of the demolition but they were not just sure of when it will be carried out.
“We were already notified that this land belongs to University of Lagos and that houses on the land would be demolished but we didn’t know it will be today.” he said.
A resident who pleaded anonymity also said that the demolition was carried out as a result of the recent murder of a 4- year – old child in the community.
The gruesome murder of a 4-year-old girl at Iwaya was described as very unfortunate and fishy.
More than five Toyota Hilux vehicles of the Lagos State Taskforce officials were at the scene. The policemen however told our reporter that they had come to provide security and that the demolition is carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning.
An official of the State Ministry of Planning who pleaded anonymity said that demolition is being carried out following several notices issued to the community that the land belongs to University of Lagos.
