A 15-year-old girl, Esther Eniefiok, has died following severe trauma caused by ongoing demolitions in the Oworonshoki community of Lagos State, residents reported.
The demolition operation, conducted by the Lagos State Government, resumed early Thursday in the Precious Seed Community, marking the second fatality in 24 hours after the death of an elderly man, popularly known as Baba Aro, on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, Esther’s brother, Paul Eniefiok, said she had been emotionally unstable since Sunday, November 23, when armed personnel from the Lagos State Task Force, accompanied by police officers and suspected thugs, began demolishing homes in the area.
“She was overcome with fear and trauma when the fire approached our home,” Paul said. “Sadly, she passed away this morning.”
Residents described the demolition as the most violent yet, accusing state-backed operatives of destroying homes without warning or resettlement plans. Video footage shows bulldozers accompanied by armed personnel tearing through houses while residents scrambled to salvage possessions.
The operation has sparked outrage after two women—Babsolowo Aramide, an ulcer patient, and Babsolowo Oluwakemi, a housewife—were arrested during the demolition. Family members reported the women were detained for several hours and denied food and water.
Community members allege the demolitions were carried out forcefully, with homes burned and valuables taken, leaving residents displaced and traumatized.
Authorities have not provided an official statement regarding the deaths or the arrests.
