According to Jaga, the demolitions, carried out under the justification that the structures fell within high-tension powerline extensions, have left countless families homeless, devastated, and in some cases physically harmed. He said many affected residents are elderly people and widows with nowhere else to turn.
Jaga alleged that despite the government’s earlier claim that the cleared land would be used for the construction of a BRT garage and a Mechanic Village, it is now reportedly being allocated to private individuals, with construction of a mall and rows of shops already underway. He expressed concern that this shift in plans has fueled suspicion among residents who originally believed the demolitions served public infrastructure purposes.
The gospel singer also claimed that landlords in the community contributed a total of ₦25 million through community channels to the Ministry of Environment in hopes that their buildings and businesses would be spared. Despite this, he said, the demolitions went ahead, leaving many feeling cheated and abandoned.
The operations, which lasted several days, have displaced hundreds of residents, forcing many to sleep outdoors, exposed to rain, mosquitoes, hunger, and the cold Lagos night.
Jaga urged the government to revert to the original plan of constructing a BRT depot and Mechanic Village, projects he said would create jobs and boost the local economy rather than displacing vulnerable citizens.
“This situation is bigger than politics. It is about real human lives, real suffering, and real families who have been pushed into despair. These people deserve justice and immediate relief,” Jaga said.