February 14, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Lagos has once again become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s growing concerns over government demolition drives, this time highlighted through the eyes of social media personality and content creator Fari, who has raised an urgent alarm over a fresh wave of demolitions that have left several residents reportedly homeless.
In an emotional online video shared on social platforms, Fari recounted how she encountered the demolition operation while returning from the gym, capturing scenes of families scrambling with their belongings as heavy machinery tore down residential structures along Silverbed Road in Lagos. Eyewitnesses said that many residents claimed they had received no prior notice before their homes were dismantled, forcing hurried evacuations under distressing conditions.
The video shows displaced families sitting beside their salvaged goods on the roadside, uncertain about their next steps or where to seek shelter. A tailor among those affected lamented that her work equipment and household items were all strewn outside a stark symbol of sudden destitution brought on by the demolition exercise.
Fari also alleged that during the operation, security operatives allegedly fired tear gas when a dispute erupted between residents and demolition teams a claim that, if verified, underscores the tensions often accompanying such state-led enforcement actions. She added that many victims were reportedly too frightened to document or speak publicly about the demolitions, fearing that their phones or recordings could be seized or destroyed in the midst of the operation.
The uproar sparked by Fari’s video comes amid wider debates about urban redevelopment and enforcement of planning laws in Lagos. Demolitions have been ongoing in several parts of the city, notably along waterfront settlements and informal neighbourhoods, as authorities seek to enforce building regulations and clear unsafe structures. However, critics argue that such exercises often displace vulnerable residents without adequate notice, consultation or resettlement support, raising serious humanitarian concerns.
Although Lagos state officials have previously defended similar demolition operations as necessary for public safety and compliance with planning regulations, the emotional testimony shared by Fari and images of affected families have reignited calls from civil society and residents for more humane and transparent approaches to urban management including adequate advance notice, fair compensation, and resettlement provisions for those whose homes are slated for destruction.
As the story continues to unfold online, many observers are likely to scrutinise how authorities balance enforcement of city planning standards with the rights and welfare of ordinary citizens who have built their lives in rapidly changing urban landscapes.