16 Nov 2017 | 03:56 AM UTC
Nigeria: Protests at Lagos State Governor’s office in Ikeja Nov. 15 /update 1
Protesters storm Lagos State Governor’s office in Ikeja on November 15 to call for compensation and resettlement after earlier evictions
Event
A group of protesters gathered at Moshood Abiola Gardens in Ojota, Lagos State, around 10:00 (local time) on Wednesday, November 15, to demand resettlement and compensation for the illegal eviction of 30,000 people from the Otodo-Gbame slum in late 2016 and early 2017. The group then stormed the Lagos State Governor's office in the Alausa area of Ikeja at 12:00, demanding dialogue with the government. Reports say the demonstrators blocked entrances to the building and called for a direct response from Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Local media reported that as of Wednesday evening, the protesters remained on site.
While the protest has remained generally peaceful, additional security personnel have deployed into the area. Furthermore, additional related protests may occur in the coming days.
Context
On March 17, Nigerian security forces used firearms and tear gas to forcefully evict thousands of people out of the Otodo-Gbame waterfront community, located in the Lekki area of Lagos. The displacement came after a Nigerian High Court ruling in January barred such evictions. The court later ordered the government to compensate and resettle those affected, but officials have not yet complied with the order.
Advice
Individuals in Lagos state are advised to avoid all demonstrations, as clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Traffic disruptions and increased security measures are to be expected in the vicinity.
Generally speaking, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.
