Residents of the Surulere Community in the Amikanle area of Lagos State are living in fear after suspected land grabbers, locally known as "Omo Onile," launched a violent demolition spree, destroying dozens of houses and demanding millions of Naira from homeowners.
Saturday Punch reports that the invasion began on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Hoodlums, estimated to be around 300 in number, stormed the community near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government Area. They immediately began issuing financial demands to property owners, with levies ranging from N15 million to N25 million per house. Those who failed to comply had their properties demolished on the spot.
Checks by our correspondent revealed that no fewer than 50 buildings have been affected. The destruction includes residential houses, shops, and perimeter fences, leaving families displaced and their investments in ruins.
Residents recounted that the thugs claimed to be acting on court documents from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). They allegedly stated they were authorized to collect money for house renewal, threatening to demolish any property whose owner refused to pay.
One resident, who identified himself as Oluwafewa, whose parents are among the affected landlords, described the traumatic experience. "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. He further clarified that the FHA has disassociated itself from the thugs, stating the agency did not authorize any demolitions.
When our correspondent visited the scene, a heavy presence of policemen was observed seated in vehicles on the street. However, the hoodlums were also present, sitting defiantly in front of some of the demolished buildings.
A community member, speaking anonymously, revealed the violence extended to residents documenting 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 stated. Another resident noted that this is a recurring issue, recalling how his uncle lost his property to similar tactics a decade ago after being unable to afford the demanded fees.
Following a peaceful protest last week, residents are now calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene. Meanwhile, an FHA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the illegality of the thugs' actions. "The FHA didn’t send the thugs. We have written to the Commissioner of Police and the Lagos State Taskforce. We sent our officials to the scene, but the thugs chased them away," the official said.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Command's Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, stated she was not immediately aware of the incident but promised to gather information.
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