Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Nigerian Police Fire Tear Gas in Lagos Slum Protests
In Lagos, Nigeria, people are living in a big floating slum called Makoko.
The government is tearing down their homes because they say the houses were built illegally.
More than 1,000 people got very angry and marched to the government building to protest.
The police used tear gas to make the crowd go away, and one person got hurt.
Makoko is a very old fishing village, and now it's home to many poor people.
There are a lot of people living in Lagos, and not enough houses, so some people build their own homes in places like Makoko.
The government says the homes are dangerous because they are near power lines.
Over 1,000 residents protested the demolition of homes in Makoko slum, Lagos.
Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in one injury.
Protesters demanded to speak with the Lagos state governor.
Makoko is a floating slum with an estimated population of 80,000 to 200,000.
The demolitions are due to homes being built illegally near high-voltage power lines.
- Who
- Residents and affected families of Makoko slum, Nigerian police
- What
- Protest against demolition of homes in Makoko slum, police response with tear gas
- When
- January 28, 2020
- Where
- Makoko slum, Lagos, Nigeria
- Why
- Residents protesting against the demolition of their homes, which they claim were built illegally near high-voltage power lines
- Location
- Makoko slum, Lagos, Nigeria
- Date
- January 28, 2020
- Population of Makoko
- Estimated 80,000 to 200,000 residents
- Cause of Protest
- Demolition of homes in Makoko slum
- Injuries Reported
- One protester injured, hospitalized