Residents and property owners in Hopeville Estate, situated in the Sangotedo area of Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos, are reeling in shock and helplessness following the demolition of their homes, leaving many in distress and uncertainty.
AKNN reports that, on Friday, March 8, 2024, a convoy of security personnel, accompanied by a task force from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), descended upon the estate with heavy machinery, including bulldozers, initiating a demolition operation that razed several structures within the community.
LABSCA defended the action, citing the lack of approval for building plans as grounds for the demolition. However, residents contend that the notice provided was inadequate, especially considering an ongoing court case related to the matter, leaving them ill-prepared for the sudden loss of their homes.
A visit to the estate revealed a scene of devastation, with numerous buildings reduced to rubble and debris strewn across the streets. In the aftermath, some affected homeowners have resorted to selling salvaged scraps and materials to make ends meet.
Reports from Channels Television highlighted the sight of furniture and household items lining sidewalks, serving as poignant reminders of the displacement suffered by residents.
Compounding the distress, armed police officers were deployed throughout the estate, heightening tensions among the affected community members.
Videos capturing residents’ grievances about the purportedly “hasty and illegal” demolition quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention to the plight of those impacted by the actions of state agencies and law enforcement personnel.
As Hopeville Estate grapples with the aftermath of the demolition, residents are left grappling with uncertainty and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.
Speaking anonymously to Channels Television, one affected resident lamented the confusion and disruption caused by the demolition. According to the resident, the estate was in the process of addressing previous issues before the sudden demolition unfolded.
The resident recounted the harrowing experience of families being abruptly forced from their homes, with many left exposed to the elements as rain fell during the night. Questions linger over the motives behind the demolition, with residents demanding clarity and accountability from authorities.
Despite ongoing negotiations with authorities to salvage what remains, Hopeville Estate residents remain entrenched in a state of uncertainty and anxiety, uncertain about the future of their community.
