News

Demolition: Lagos Residents Seek Refuge In Churches As Weeping Persists

Published

3 years ago

August 2, 2023

The recent demolition in the Oluwaseyi Street of Oworoshoki, Lagos state, has left residents homeless, forcing them to seek shelter in churches and uncompleted buildings. The agents of the Lagos State Government began demolishing houses and burning others in the area last week.

Vanguard gathered that during the demolition, certain task force members, along with some police officers, allegedly received 1000 Naira from the affected Oworoshoki residents to facilitate the evacuation of their properties before the demolition.

Speaking to one of the affected residents, Esther, who is 28 years old and was born and raised here, says, “Since I’ve been living here, we were never given any notice about this sudden evacuation. It has left us homeless, and now we have to find a place to sleep every night.

“We are already searching for apartments to rent, but the demolition has been tough on us. It has particularly affected my aged mother, and as a pregnant woman, I am finding it challenging to cope with the situation.”

Further investigation, was discovered that residents had to pay varying amounts of money to prevent the Lagos state task force from demolishing buildings and property. According to some victims interviewed by Vanguard, “we paid N2000 and others paid 10,000 Naira to buy time to evacuate our properties. Unfortunately, those who couldn’t afford to pay had their buildings demolished, along with their belongings”

A mother of two, who spoke to Vanguard, revealed that she and her children are currently sleeping in a church while her husband stays at his friend’s place. She expressed her sadness, saying, “We’ve been living here for less than a year. My husband bought the land from Omonile late last year, but it’s devastating that our properties were among those demolished.”

Omotayo Ogunsiji, a septuagenarian and retired civil servant who has lived in the area for 28 years, shared his ordeal with Vanguard.

He expressed his initial happiness when he heard about the plan to demolish buildings with plank structures that were situated 100 meters away from the water.

However, he explained that his own house was a blocked building and located far from the water, so he wasn’t concerned. In 1995, before his retirement, he purchased this half plot from Omonile for N9,000.

“I have been living here for 28 years since 1995, my house was blocked building, and was very far from the water, so I was not bothered. I bought this half-plot from Omonile in the year 1995 before I retired and it cost me N9,000.

“We didn’t receive any notification beforehand. What happened was they provided a notification indicating that buildings within 100 meters of the water needed to be demolished. They marked the area for demolition from the start, but it was surprising when they suddenly came to my block and demolished it.

“If you don’t remove your properties, they’ll break them and set them ablaze. They approached me, saying they wanted to set fire to my house. I agreed, but I pleaded with them, giving them N1000 to allow me time to evacuate my belongings.”

Upon contacting the Public Relations officer of the Lagos State Taskforce, Mr Raheem, he says “Notice was given to them ahead of time, the reason for the demolition, was because the area was denizens of criminals who rob commuters of their item at the third mainland bridge.

“Most times these miscreants rob passengers on the ferry and run into the area to avoid police, and the area was not government authorized, very soon, you will see a reduction in traffic robbery on the third mainland bridge because of this demolition”

Dismissing the claims of residents paying money to task force officials for property evacuation before demolition, Raheem stated, “These are mere fallacies; the Chairman of the task force was present during the demolition, and such incidents couldn’t have occurred.”
VANGUARD

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.