Outrage as suspected land grabbers invade Lagos estates, vandalise property

Residents of Santos Layout, Valley Estate, and surrounding communities in Lagos State's Alimosho area have accused suspected land grabbers and hundreds of armed thugs of violently enforcing a disputed court judgment. The operation, which reportedly occurred between Thursday, July 30, and Saturday, August 1, allegedly resulted in the vandalism of homes and businesses.

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The thugs were very violent when they came into the area on Thursday. They locked some shops and removed the roofs of several buildings, including a sawmill. Some owners who settled them have reopened their businesses, while those who refused to pay still have their shops locked.

Residents reported that shops were forcibly sealed, buildings damaged, and property destroyed. Funmilola Ajayi, a resident, stated that thugs violently entered the area, locking shops and removing roofs from structures, including a sawmill. She alleged that some businesses reopened after paying the thugs, while others remained closed. The auditor of the Santos Layout Phase 1 Residents’ Association, Saburi Odunmbaku, asserted that the estate was lawfully established and approved by the Lagos State Government in 1976, with over 300 houses built under government approval. He stressed that neither the estate nor its residents were involved in the court case cited by the enforcers.

Odunmbaku further alleged that approximately 400 armed thugs stormed the communities, acting violently and armed with bottles, smoking openly. He claimed anyone who questioned them was beaten. The enforcement reportedly affected multiple phases of Santos Layout, Valley Estate, Ajimotoko, Alimotolu, Aluminium Village, and nearby communities, leading to the closure of some banks and business premises. Residents also reported that journalists at the scene were assaulted or forced to flee, with one journalist allegedly having their phone seized and smashed.

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Santos Layout was approved by the Lagos State Government in 1976, and over 300 houses were built with government approval. We were never parties to the suit from which these people claim to have obtained judgment.

Despite the alleged police presence throughout the operation, residents claim the hoodlums continued their attacks. The situation remained tense from Thursday to Saturday before subsiding on Sunday. Residents are questioning the legitimacy of the judgment enforcement, especially since they were not parties to the case and have lived in the area for over 15 years.

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They came in their hundreds. They were violent, armed with bottles and smoking openly. Anyone who questioned or challenged them was beaten.