Five Die, Including Newborn, in Makoko Demolition as Residents Allege Excessive Force

At least five people, including a five-day-old baby, have died following the demolition of parts of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos. The infant reportedly died after inhaling tear gas during the operation and was rejected by two hospitals before passing away on the way to a third medical facility, according to the child’s parents.

The baby’s father, Marcel Adingban, while speaking to Radio Now’s Ojo Lasisi, said his house was outside the area initially marked for demolition, but was later targeted as security operatives dispersed residents with tear gas. His wife, Mrs Adingban, said the child began coughing after inhaling the gas as they fled their home and later died at a hospital in Bariga.

According to community leaders, the demolition went beyond agreed limits. The Bale of Makoko Waterfront, Shemede Emmanuel, said residents were earlier informed by Gbolahan Oki, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Urban Development, that only 30 metres would be cleared, but the operation later extended to about 200 metres, leaving many displaced and sleeping on boats. He added that repeated attempts to engage officials of the Ministry in Alausa were unsuccessful.

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Rights groups and activists have condemned the demolition. Betty Abah, founder of CEE HOPE NGO, and environmental activist Dr Nnimmo Bassey called on the Lagos State Government to take responsibility for the deaths and displacement, saying the exercise violated principles of inclusive urban renewal.