The demolition of approximately 50 buildings in Surulere, Lagos by suspected land grabbers has raised alarm among real estate stakeholders demanding better regulations.
In Surulere, Lagos State, approximately 50 houses have been demolished by suspected thugs associated with land grabbing, also known as Omo Onile. This incident has drawn condemnation from real estate sector stakeholders who are highlighting the urgent need for enhanced transparency and documentation in real estate transactions. Many affected homeowners are now facing significant losses due to these seemingly unlawful demolitions.
The thugs reportedly invaded the community on January 27, 2026, coercing residents into paying fees ranging from N15 million to N25 million to avoid losing their properties. Homeowners who refused or were unable to meet these demands have faced demolition of their homes. The chaos surrounding this act has garnered attention to the vulnerability of homeowners to such criminal exploitation within the real estate market.
Israel Ihaza, the CEO of Oikus, has publicly condemned the actions of the thugs and stressed the necessity for structural changes in the process of property documentation. This situation reflects a broader issue within the real estate sector in Nigeria, where the lack of regulation and oversight often leaves homeowners at the mercy of unscrupulous individuals, compromising their investments and security.
