Chaos erupted in the coastal areas of Lagos today, Wednesday, 28 January 2026, as Nigerian police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of residents protesting against the planned demolition of “floating slums,” including parts of the iconic Makoko community.
The demonstration, which began peacefully, turned violent when security forces moved in to clear a blockade on a major access road. At least one protester has been confirmed seriously injured during the ensuing melee, sparking fresh outcries over human rights and urban renewal policies.
The protest was triggered by a recent notice from the Lagos State Government citing environmental hazards and “clogging of waterways” as reasons for the removal of structures built over the lagoon.
Community leaders argue that the floating slums are not just homes but historical landmarks and the primary source of livelihood for thousands of fishermen and their families.
As protesters gathered near the waterfront, police units deployed canisters of tear gas to break up the crowds. Witnesses describe scenes of panic as residents, including children, scrambled into canoes to escape the fumes.
One young man reportedly sustained a severe head injury, allegedly after being hit by a tear gas canister or during the frantic scramble to retreat. He was rushed to a nearby clinic by fellow protesters.
The tension in the area remains high, with many residents refusing to leave their wooden homes on the water.
The protest has brought fishing and local trade to a standstill, with many terrified to venture out into the lagoon. Over 10,000 people risk becoming homeless if the demolition proceeds. There are currently no clear relocation or compensation plans for those living on the water.
Civil society groups are calling for an immediate halt to the police action, citing the vulnerability of the population during the current economic hardship.
