Nigerians react to reported demolition of Igbo houses in Lagos

There is a massive cry on social media following the demolition of buildings belonging to Igbos at Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin local government area (LGA) of Lagos state.

Report indicates that the Federal Housing Authority resumed the demolition of illegal buildings in Festac and according to the authorities, these structures marked for demolition are to prevent disaster and save lives.

On Wednesday, November 22, about 677 houses have been marked for demolition and 744 other buildings will be partially destroyed following the infringement by a developer in the Phase II.

It is known that although there are several people of different tribes residing in Festac, however, it is majorly populated with the Igbos from the south-east.

As a result, some people on social media accuse the government of targeting the Igbos in the demolition exercise.

Senator representing Anambra central senatorial district, Senator Victor Umeh, during a meeting, called on the minister of housing and urban development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, raised concerns over the ongoing demolition.

He urged the Minister to immediately intervene and if possible halt the exercise.

The Senator stated that it is an injustice for people to legitimately acquire lands, and after documentation with relevant government agencies and putting up structures, it would be pulled down and the lands revoked.

Below are some reactions from Nigerians on the ongoing demolition exercise;

@Adababy95 wrote:

"I hope that the minister will take Senator Umeh's concerns seriously and take action to address the situation. The demolition of houses in the Abule-Ado Festac Extension is a serious problem that needs to be resolved."

@austinemun said: "The truth of the matter is that it's mostly Igbos affected in the Festac demolition.

"It's also true however that they knew that they were building where they shouldn't but for arrogance and belief that they can get away with by paying off some people they built there."

Kingsley 'Kanunta' Kanu wrote: "Profit should never come at the cost of human blood. Any government that places profit before people is pure evil.

"You can’t be silent, President Bola Tinubu."

@pstbless_ing: It is important for the government to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.