Evicted Makoko Squatters Protest At Alausa

The evicted squatters at Makoko demanded that Lagos State Government respect their right when they embarked on a peaceful protest today close to Shoprite Shopping Mall in Alausa.

The squatters who stormed Alausa in buses and cars were over 100 in number. They carried banners and placards to protest their eviction by the state government. One of the banners read “we are not slaves! We should have equal rights.” Another banner had a message for Governor Fashola, who the people claim ordered the killing of their traditional ruler.

“Say No to second slavery”, screamed another banner.

The protest was organised by Social and Economic Rights Action Centre, (SERAC).

Felix Morka, Executive Director, SERAC, told the crowd that the government had infringed on the rights of the citizens by demolishing their houses.

“We are human beings and deserve some respect. They may be in power but we put them there to serve our needs,” he said.

Morka claimed that the government had widely cited insecurity as its reason for demolishing Makoko. “I have been going to Makoko for 18 years and I have never been robbed but I have been robbed in Ikoyi,” he stated.

The evicted squatters of Makoko who spoke to P.M.NEWS said the government treated them like slaves. They claimed that the Fashola-led government is very insensitive to the need of its citizens. Andrew, who has resided in Makoko since the was born 22 years ago, said he has nowwhere to go.

“We voted for this government and this is how they treat us. The government did not provide an alternative shelter for us and that shows how disconnected they are from the people they govern.”

Bimbola, 25, said she schooled in Makoko and it is home to her and her siblings. She hopes the government will rescind its decision.

—Seun Bisuga