Homeowners in Amikanle, Surulere Community, near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government, Lagos State, are reeling after suspected landgrabbers, popularly known as Omo Onile, demolished numerous houses in the area.
According to residents, the thugs invaded the community on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, demanding payments ranging from N15 million to N25 million from property owners. Those unable to meet the demands reportedly had their houses destroyed.
Investigations show that at least 50 structures, including residential homes, shops, and fences, were demolished during the attack.
Residents said about 300 hoodlums stormed the community, claiming to act on court documents allegedly issued by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) authorizing them to collect fees for property “renewal,” threatening demolition for defaulters.
One affected landlord’s child, Oluwafewa, explained that security operatives accompanied the Omo Onile over a two-week period, causing distress for residents. “They asked landlords to obtain a form costing N100,000 and demanded initial payments of N5 million, with follow-up payments ranging up to N25 million,” he said.
Oluwafewa added that the thugs claimed ownership of the estate, acting independently of any official FHA authorization. “The FHA has since denied giving them any approval to carry out demolitions,” he said.
When visited, the community saw police officers stationed nearby, while the hoodlums sat in front of demolished buildings. Residents reported that some people filming the destruction were assaulted, and their equipment damaged.
One resident recalled the persistence of the menace: “My uncle lost his house ten years ago after he couldn’t meet their demands. These acts have been happening for years, and we don’t see a solution in sight.”
Last week, residents staged a peaceful protest, displaying placards urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other state officials to intervene. One protester said, “They mounted our buildings and removed roofs. Despite multiple complaints to authorities, no assistance has been offered.”
An FHA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the demolitions were illegal and that some FHA staff sent to monitor the area were chased away by the thugs.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command’s PRO, Abimbola Adebisi, said she was unaware of the incident at the time but promised to investigate, though follow-up calls and messages went unanswered.
