Residents accuse land grabbers of violent invasion in Lagos estates
Residents in several Lagos communities have accused suspected land grabbers and armed thugs of violently enforcing a disputed court judgment. The affected neighbourhoods reported widespread vandalism, business closures, and intimidation over a three-day period. Community members claim that police were present but did little to stop the attacks, while the lawyer for the Yaku family insists the operation was lawful and peaceful. The situation has left residents fearful and calling for government intervention.
What happened
- Residents of Santos Layout, Valley Estate, and nearby areas allege that hundreds of armed thugs vandalised homes and businesses while enforcing a court judgment.
- Community members say shops were sealed, roofs removed, and property destroyed, with some owners forced to pay to reopen their businesses.
- The auditor of Santos Layout Phase 1 Residents’ Association, Saburi Odunmbaku, insists the estate was lawfully established and not party to the court case.
- Reports claim that journalists, including Eniola Daniel, were assaulted and forced to delete footage, while police allegedly failed to intervene effectively.
- The Yaku family’s attorney, Alhaji Hassan Ali, maintains the operation was a lawful execution of a valid court judgment and denies any violence or intimidation occurred.
