A Preventable Death and State-Sanctioned Homelessness: TIB Movement Condemns Lagos Government’s Deadly Demolitions

PRESS STATEMENT

A Preventable Death and State-Sanctioned Homelessness: TIB Movement Condemns Lagos Government’s Deadly Demolitions

The Take-It-Back Movement, Lagos State Chapter, unequivocally condemns the reckless and inhumane actions of the Lagos State Government following the tragic electrocution of a 12-year-old boy during an ongoing demolition exercise in Oworonshoki. This young life was lost due to a preventable safety lapse—specifically, the failure to de-energize power lines before demolition commenced. This is not an accident; it is negligence.

This heartbreaking incident is one of many deaths and displacements linked to demolition exercises carried out by the Lagos State Government in recent years—often without adequate notice, safety protocols, compensation, or resettlement plans for affected residents. Entire communities have been rendered homeless in places such as Oworonshoki, Makoko, Ajegunle, and other low-income areas, deepening poverty and social injustice.

It is unacceptable that the same government that demolishes the homes of the poor without alternatives or compensation also criminalizes homelessness by arresting people forced to sleep on the streets. This vicious cycle—destroying homes, creating homelessness, and then punishing the homeless—reflects a profound failure of governance and a blatant disregard for human dignity.

We demand:

1. An immediate, independent investigation into the death of the 12-year-old boy, with accountability for all officials and agencies responsible.
2. Immediate compensation to the victim’s family and all affected residents.
3. A halt to all demolition exercises until proper safety standards, community engagement, compensation, and humane resettlement plans are guaranteed.
4. An end to the criminalization of homelessness and the adoption of people-centered housing and social welfare policies.

The lives of the poor are not expendable. Development that kills, displaces, and criminalizes the vulnerable is not development—it is violence.

The Take-It-Back Movement stands in solidarity with affected communities and will continue to resist policies that endanger lives and trample on the rights of the people.

Signed,

Adekunle Adeyemi (Scotty Aluta)
Lagos State Coordinator
Take-It-Back Movement

Oluwatosin Adeyemi (Humanist)
Public Relations Officer
Take-It-Back Movement, Lagos State Chapter