Makoko Demolition: Homeless Families Forced to Sleep in Canoes

There has been recent demolitions in the historic Makoko waterfront community in Lagos, as hundreds of residents have been left homeless and displaced. Following the forced evictions on Monday, January 26, 2026, many families have been forced to seek shelter in canoes, struggling for survival on the very water they once called home.

The demolition, reportedly carried out by state authorities, has attracted human rights groups and community leaders who describe the move as "inhumane." Residents claim they were given little to no notice before bulldozers and security personnel moved in to tear down structures built on stilts over the lagoon.

Images and reports from the scene depict a dire humanitarian situation. Mothers, children, and the elderly are seen huddled together in small wooden boats, with their meager belongings piled high around them. Without access to clean water, food, or sanitation, the displaced population faces an immediate health crisis.

“We have nowhere else to go. This is the only life we know,” one displaced resident lamented. “Our houses are gone, our livelihoods are destroyed, and now we are sleeping on the water like animals. We are Nigerians; where is the compassion?”

The Lagos State Government has previously cited urban renewal, environmental concerns, and security as reasons for sanitizing the waterfront area.

Is urban renewal a valid excuse for leaving thousands of citizens homeless, or should the government prioritize human rights over city aesthetics? Share your comments below!

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