Three Years After Oworonshoki Demolitions In Lagos, Victims Face Death, Disease, Homelessness | Sahara Reporters

According to the group, the affected areas stretch “from Odunfa Street to Lone Street, cutting through Precious Seed and extending down to Ojileru Street.”

Three years after the demolition and forced eviction of residents in parts of Oworonshoki, Lagos State, victims of the exercise are still grappling with homelessness, poverty, disease and loss of livelihoods, the Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) has stated.

The forum, in a press statement dated Wednesday, September 2, said the consequences of the demolitions had continued to affect thousands of residents across the affected communities, despite the passage of three years since the exercise began.

The statement was signed by Yemi Aderibigbe, President of the Oworo Youths Forum, and Towolawi Jamiu, its Public Relations Officer.

According to the group, the affected areas stretch “from Odunfa Street to Lone Street, cutting through Precious Seed and extending down to Ojileru Street.”

The OYF said what started as the destruction of homes and properties had developed into what it described as a prolonged humanitarian crisis, with several residents allegedly losing their lives and others battling illnesses associated with displacement and difficult living conditions.

“What began with the destruction of homes and properties has become a prolonged humanitarian crisis,” the forum said.

“Several residents have lost their lives as a result of the demolitions and the harsh conditions that followed, while many others are battling various illnesses worsened by displacement, trauma, exposure and inadequate access to healthcare.”

The group expressed particular concern over the number of displaced residents who, it said, remain without adequate shelter three years after the demolitions.

According to the statement, hundreds of displaced residents, including women and children, are still sleeping in the open at night.

“As we write this statement, hundreds of displaced residents, including women and children, continue to sleep in the open at night along the Oworonshoki Car Wash Expressway and within different parts of the community,” it said.

The forum said the displacement had also affected families’ livelihoods and children’s education, leaving vulnerable residents exposed to harsh weather conditions, insecurity and disease.

“Families who once had homes, livelihoods and a sense of security have been reduced to homelessness and poverty,” the group said.

It added that “Children have had their education disrupted, while vulnerable residents continue to face exposure to harsh weather, insecurity and disease.”

The OYF described the continued hardship faced by the demolition victims as unacceptable, arguing that the affected residents should not still be left to bear the consequences of the exercise without adequate compensation, resettlement and meaningful support.

“The Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) finds it unacceptable that three years after the demolitions began, victims are still left to bear the devastating consequences without adequate compensation, resettlement or meaningful support,” the statement said.

The forum subsequently called on the Lagos State Government to take responsibility for the consequences of the demolition exercise and provide assistance to residents whose homes and means of livelihood were destroyed.

“We therefore call on the Lagos State Government to take responsibility and be held accountable for the consequences of the demolition exercise,” the group said.

“The government must provide adequate compensation, resettlement and support for all genuine victims whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed.”

The group also criticised the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying the treatment of residents affected by the demolitions would form part of the assessment of the administration’s legacy.

The OYF said, “The Sanwo-Olu administration must understand that its legacy will not be defined only by its projects and achievements, but also by how it treated the thousands of Oworonshoki residents whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed under its watch.”

It further warned that the physical remains of the demolished properties could continue to serve as a reminder of the hardship experienced by affected residents unless steps were taken to address their grievances.

“The ruins left behind in Oworonshoki will remain a painful reminder of this administration unless justice is done and adequate compensation is provided to the victims,” the forum said.

The youth organisation vowed to continue its campaign for accountability and justice for those affected by the demolition exercise.

“OYF will continue to demand accountability, justice and dignity for the victims of the Oworonshoki demolitions,” it said.

The forum concluded by insisting that governments must be held responsible for the consequences of actions that destroy people’s homes and livelihoods.

“No government should be allowed to destroy people’s homes and livelihoods and simply walk away from the consequences,” the group said.