By Sabiu Abdullahi
Residents of Surulere Community in Amikanle, near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have been thrown into distress after suspected landgrabbers invaded the neighbourhood and destroyed multiple properties.
According to a report t a Nigerian newspaper, the Punch, homeowners said the attackers, widely known as Omo Onile, stormed the community on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. They allegedly demanded payments ranging from N15m to N25m from property owners. Those who failed to comply reportedly had their buildings pulled down.
Findings revealed that at least 50 structures have been affected. The demolished properties include residential houses, shops, and perimeter fences.
Residents explained that the invaders arrived in large numbers. They claimed to be acting on court documents from the Federal Housing Authority, authorising them to collect renewal fees. They also threatened to demolish any structure whose owner refused to pay.
One of the children of an affected landlord, identified simply as Oluwafewa, alleged that security personnel accompanied the group during the operation, which lasted about two weeks. He said the development left many families devastated.
“The thugs asked the landlords to obtain a form, which cost N100,000. Then they demanded an initial payment of N5m, with N10m to be paid later. They charged different prices for different houses.
“Some said they were asked to pay N25m, but they demanded N15m from my parents,” he said.
When asked if the group identified those backing them, he replied, “They are working for no one. They are Omo Onile, and they claimed they own the estate. The FHA has told them to desist, as it didn’t authorise any demolition.”
A visit to the area showed heavy damage across the community. Policemen were seen seated in a corner with patrol vehicles parked nearby, while some of the hoodlums remained around demolished structures.
Another resident, who spoke anonymously, alleged that violence accompanied the invasion. He said one individual was assaulted for recording the incident.
“They beat someone who was filming them on the day they first invaded our community. They nearly destroyed the man’s phone. They really dealt with us,” he said.
A different resident claimed the issue had persisted for years. He recounted how his uncle lost property under similar circumstances a decade ago after failing to meet the financial demand.
“My uncle lost his property to them 10 years ago. The matter has existed for years, and I don’t think there is any solution in sight. That was how they came about 10 years ago and demanded N5m from my uncle. He didn’t have the money to give them, and he forfeited his house,” he said.
Angered by the destruction, residents organised a peaceful protest last week. They gathered in front of the affected buildings with placards, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other leaders to intervene.
One protester said, “They mounted our buildings and removed the roofs. We have been to many offices to lodge complaints, but no help has been offered. At this point, we don’t know what to do.”
An official of the Federal Housing Authority, who spoke anonymously, described the demolition as illegal. The official said personnel sent to monitor the situation were chased away.
“They were impersonating. The FHA didn’t send the thugs. We were told about the incident by the residents. We have written to the Commissioner of Police and even the Lagos State Taskforce to that effect. We also sent our officials to the scene, but the thugs chased them away,” he said.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, said she was unaware of the incident but promised to make inquiries. She did not respond to subsequent calls or messages seeking updates.
The situation has left many residents counting losses and calling for urgent government intervention to halt further demolitions.
