FORCED EVICTION IN LAGOS AS GOVERNMENT DESTROYS SLUMS

Tens of thousands more could be at risk if the government proceeds with The plans to redevelop the slum area of Badia East, Lagos state, have affected no less than 9,000 people their homes and livelihoods.This was the  report of Amnesty International issued inconjuction with the Social and Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC) today.

Residents said ‘’armed police and bulldozers moved in without warning in February, forcing them out, in what the government has termed the first phase of its clearance plan’’.

“The effects of February’s forced eviction have been devastating for the Badia East community where dozens are still sleeping out in the open or under a nearby bridge exposed to rain, mosquitoes and at risk of physical attack,” said Oluwatosin Popoola, Amnesty International’s Nigeria researcher.

The  bodies calls on Lagos authorities to halt the forced evictions, aimed at bringing order to the chaotic and crowded metropolis which is home to 15 million people.

“If these plans proceed as described, tens of thousands will be at risk of forced eviction and face possible destitution.”

Slums have sprung up throughout Lagos as residents pour into the sprawling city in search of work from different parts of the country.

While the  survey carried out by residents estimated that at least 266 buildings containing homes and businesses were completely destroyed, affecting an estimated 2,237 households.