Abuja – November 30, 2023 – Viewpoint Housing News.
Several victims of the structures that were destroyed in Lagos State’s Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area have expressed how frustrating it has been to find homes for their families.
On Wednesday, November 22, the Federal Housing Authority started demolishing a number of homes in several local government area estates, particularly in some areas of FESTAC Phase II and Abule Ado. The FHA had reportedly broken housing and development restrictions, marking 677 homes and partially demolishing another 744.
Based on information received, the majority of the impacted buildings were residential, with a small number serving business uses including hotels and pharmaceutical enterprises. However, it was discovered that the homeowners had encountered difficulties finding places to settle down ever since the devastation.
The victims pointed to the little eviction notice they received prior to the destruction and said it caught them off guard, which is why they weren’t ready.
Paul Michaels, an impacted homeowner, called the circumstances “a double tragedy” He said, “What had just happened is beyond me. I can’t imagine being a proud owner of a house and the next thing I am here struggling to find a shelter to put my head on. The notice they gave us was too short to make adequate preparation and avoid what we are going through at the moment. We were not even allowed to remove our belongings properly.”
Another distressed homeowner, , revealed that his family had moved into a motel as a result of his duplex being demolished. “I know people who have moved their families into the homes of friends and relatives nearby, but I don’t really have any friends nearby where I can ask my family to stay while I’m looking for somewhere to stay,” he added. I’ve relocated them into a hotel while we look for an apartment, and then I’ll decide what to do next. I’ve begun my search for a flat, but I have no idea how long it will take. Additionally, lodging at the hotel is rather expensive.”
Some of the victims, according to a local citizen who wished to remain anonymous, had been sleeping at their places of employment. Some of the company owners have been sleeping in their stores as they attempt to find apartments because of the short notice. The resident stated, “Some are already considering moving back to their hometowns”.
Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, has denied allegations that the government of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is specifically targeting South Easters with its current demolition project.
According to him, the demolished buildings in the state were constructed without approval from any of its agencies, and they were hastily erected during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
