Residents of Isoko Community in the Eti-Osa Local Council of Lagos State have cried out over what they termed the unlawful and forceful demolition of their homes and business premises.
The aggrieved residents are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an independent probe into the operation, which they claim was carried out without prior notice.
Beyond the investigation, the community is demanding that those behind the exercise be identified and prosecuted, while demolished properties should either be restored or compensated.
They also want protection from further intimidation and justice for the families affected.
According to community leaders and eyewitnesses, bulldozers allegedly escorted by armed personnel and individuals linked to government interests invaded the area without warning, pulling down residential and commercial structures valued at billions of naira.
The demolition was said to have occurred despite earlier petitions submitted to the authorities, which reportedly received no formal response.
The Isoko community maintains it has occupied the land for nearly 60 years under a valid 50-year lease agreement with the Ojomu family and claims to have submitted documents affirming its legal claim to the land to relevant government offices.
Residents insisted that no official communication preceded the operation, despite the documentation provided.
Witnesses further alleged that the community chairman was assaulted during the exercise, while properties belonging to no fewer than 14 landlords were destroyed.
The incident was also linked to the death of a resident, Gift Ologbo, who reportedly collapsed after losing her home and source of livelihood.
Community chairman, Lucky Ozero, described the operation as abrupt and devastating, saying decades of peaceful habitation and investment were wiped out in one morning.
He appealed to the President to intervene, insisting residents were denied fair hearing.
Community secretary, Clements Okeh, said the demolition rendered elderly residents, widows, and families homeless, adding that the exercise amounted to intimidation and a gross violation of their rights.
An elder, Paul Irakpo, disclosed that land preparation, including sand-filling, commenced immediately after the demolition, suggesting a pre-planned takeover.
He further alleged that the traditional ruler of the Ojomu family denied authorising the exercise.
The community has engaged Rotimi Williams Chambers to pursue legal redress, but said efforts to obtain explanations from the authorities have yielded no result.
When contacted, the Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi, said he was not aware of the demolition.