In Lagos, the historic fishing settlement of Makoko—often called the “Venice of Nigeria”—is being demolished. Since late December, excavators have torn through the stilt-house community, leaving at least 10,000 people homeless.
Community leaders report four deaths, including infants and an elderly woman, during evictions where tear gas was used. Authorities cite safety and urban planning, claiming structures were too close to a major power line. Residents agreed to a 100-meter buffer and marked it, but demolitions extended up to 500 meters, destroying homes far beyond the agreed limit.
Now, families who have lived there since the 1800s are stranded. Some sleep in canoes, others salvage splintered wood to rebuild. Protests prompted officials to pledge a pause, but excavators continue. For residents like 15-year-old Isaac Atamado, who lost everything, the future is uncertain. “There’s no good coming from this,” says community leader Francis Vituwa, as the home that sustained generations is erased.
