Protest rocks Lagos over hunger, demolitions

Hundreds of demonstrators on Friday took to the streets of Lagos, marching from the Ikeja Bridge to Alausa, the seat of the Lagos State Government, to protest worsening hunger and the ongoing demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki.

The protesters, led by the Take It Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organisations, said the demolitions have left many residents homeless and deepened the economic hardship faced by low-income families across the state.

According to eyewitnesses, the demonstration began at about 10:00 a.m., with participants assembling as early as 7:30 a.m. at Ikeja Bridge before proceeding toward the State Secretariat in Alausa.

The protesters were seen carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop the Demolitions,” “End Hunger Now,” and “Government Should Protect the Poor.”

The groups accused the state government of implementing “anti-poor policies,” alleging that the demolition exercises in Oworonshoki and other communities were carried out without sufficient notice or provision of alternative accommodation for displaced families.

Security personnel, including police officers and operatives of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, were stationed along major routes leading to Alausa to maintain order and prevent disruptions.

As of the time of filing this report, the protesters had reached the Secretariat complex, chanting solidarity songs and calling for an audience with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or a representative of his administration to present their grievances.