Displaced Lagos farmers protest, demand N3bn compensation

A somber protest unfolded in Ikeja, Lagos, as commercial farmers from Afero, Itoikin Community in Epe Local Government, voiced their deep frustration over continued displacement from their farmlands. The military's reported seizure of the land in December 2023, accompanied by the destruction of crops valued in the billions, has left these farmers without a livelihood for three years. These farmers were initially resettled on this land by the Lagos State Government under Governor Babatunde Fashola's administration, as a replacement for their original farms that were acquired for the development of the Epe International Airport. Their current predicament stems from the military's claim of ownership over the land, which the farmers assert was not duly allocated to them. Despite previous protests in 2024 and assurances from Lagos government officials, the farmers remain uncompensated and unresettled, leading to their current demonstration. Speaking through their chairman, Mr. Wale Orekoya, the farmers expressed disillusionment with the prolonged wait for intervention from Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration. They highlight the irony of Northern farmers fleeing terrorists while Lagos farmers are displaced by the military. This situation strikes at the heart of food security, a critical issue for Nigeria. From our perspective, this is not just a land dispute; it's a stark illustration of the challenges faced by agricultural investors and the impact of government policies on local livelihoods. The demand for 3 billion naira in compensation reflects the immense economic hardship and the scale of their losses, underscoring the urgent need for a just resolution.

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This is the third year since the military seized our farms, claiming ownership of the land. This is the land which was officially allocated to us by the Lagos State Government of His Excellency, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), as a replacement for our original farms at Afero Community, which were taken by the government for public use – the development of Epe International Airport.