‘I sleep outside in the rain with 10 children,’ says Makoko widow

VIDEO: ‘I Sleep Outside in the Rain With 10 Children,’ Says Makoko Widow

Residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos have appealed to the state government for urgent assistance following demolition exercises that displaced thousands of people.

Demolitions, which began on 13 December 2025, reportedly left many families homeless and forced several children out of school.

Speaking to Vanguard, a widow identified as Esthy described how she and her ten children have been left without shelter.

“I have lived here for more than 40 years. When this incident happened, tear gas was fired at us, and it went straight into my nostrils. If I had not been rushed to the hospital, I would have died. I only regained consciousness while I was in the hospital,” she said.

Esthy said she does not fully understand why her home was demolished, adding that even residents who did not live near the power line were affected.

“What makes this situation more painful is that we still do not understand why it happened. Even those of us who do not live close to the power line were affected, and our houses were demolished,” she added.

The widow said her situation has worsened since the death of her husband last year.

“Last year, my husband died instantly after he was hit by a car. Since then, I have been alone with my children. I have ten children, four boys and six girls. Since our homes were destroyed, every heavy rainfall has fallen directly on my children and me. I have to hold them tightly and tell them to stay close to me.”

She said she was not informed ahead of the demolition and lacks the financial means to secure alternative accommodation.

“I have no money to buy or rent another place. All I can do is appeal to the government to please come to our aid,” she said, noting that she has no immediate family support in Lagos.

Another resident, Mati, also described her ordeal following the demolition.

“What happened in Makoko is deeply heartbreaking. We no longer have a place to sit or sleep, as we are left with nowhere to go. Our homes and belongings were completely demolished,” she said.

According to her, more than 30 people are currently sharing a single room, while others sleep outdoors.

“Two days ago, when it rained, my children and I were soaked. I was trapped in the rain, crying and helpless. We are appealing to the government to please come to our aid,” she added.

Following weeks of protests by residents, relative calm has returned to the community after a five-point agreement was reportedly reached between community representatives and the Lagos State Government.

Makoko remains one of Lagos’ most densely populated waterfront settlements. The state government has maintained that the demolition was carried out in the broader public interest.