A 15-year-old girl, identified as Esther Eniefiok, has died amid what residents describe as severe emotional distress triggered by the ongoing demolition in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State, according to SaharaReporters.
It was gathered that the Lagos State Government resumed its clearance operation early Thursday in the Precious Seed Community, intensifying an exercise that has displaced hundreds of residents in recent days.
Multiple residents said Esther’s death marks the second fatal incident within 24 hours, deepening fears about the humanitarian conditions in the embattled community.
According to eyewitnesses, an elderly man, popularly known as Baba Aro, was confirmed dead on Wednesday.
A video circulating social media shows Esther’s body covered with a wrapper while distraught neighbours cried around her.
Her brother, Paul Eniefiok, said the teenager had remained in a state of panic and psychological distress since November 23, when operatives of the Lagos State Task Force, accompanied by police officers and suspected hoodlums, stormed Oworonshoki to begin another phase of demolitions.
“Esther had not been herself since the violent operation on Sunday. She became even more frightened when she heard the fires had spread close to our home. She couldn’t cope with the fear and trauma. This morning, we lost her,” Paul said.
Residents say this latest demolition wave is the most forceful they have witnessed, alleging that authorities provided no relocation plan, consultation, or prior notice.
Another video captures bulldozers, flanked by armed escorts, pulling down homes as residents scrambled to retrieve what little they could before their structures were flattened.
One resident described the operation as ‘pure terror,’ alleging that the demolition was executed with no regard for human life, property or ongoing court processes.
The demolitions in Oworonshoki have long been contentious, with community members repeatedly accusing the Lagos State Task Force of excessive force, intimidation, and the deliberate burning of homes.
Families also said that task force operatives destroyed the Babsolowo family home on Wednesday and arrested two female residents: Babsolowo Aramide, who suffers from chronic ulcer, and Babsolowo Oluwakemi, a housewife.
Sources said both women were held inside a Black Maria for several hours before being taken to the Lagos Task Force Base at Bokassa, Oshodi.
Officers allegedly threatened to arraign them before a mobile court to ensure they are jailed quickly.
“We are demanding their immediate and unconditional release,” a family member said.
Residents also alleged that some officers looted valuables and set homes on fire during the operation. One source recounted how their grandmother was nearly trapped in a burning building.
“They came with thugs, broke into houses, stole belongings, and burned homes,” the source said. “Our grandmother was still inside when the fire started. People had to rush in to save her.”
Family members said officers returned the following morning to arrest Aramide and Oluwakemi, accusing them of using abusive language during Wednesday’s demolition.
Aramide’s sister said both women have been denied food, water, and access to family members.
“My sister and my stepmother were taken this morning after our house was destroyed. They almost burned my grandmother yesterday. Since they arrested them, we’ve been pleading just to see them or give them water. My sister has a chronic ulcer, and she’s in pain,” she said.
The father of one of the arrested women, who also lost his home in the demolition, confirmed the incident.
“My house was burned down yesterday. My daughter and my wife begged them not to burn it, but they did. Before we even recovered from that shock, they returned this morning around 8 a.m. to arrest them. They are now at the Task Force office behind the court,” he said.
He appealed to the Lagos State Government and the public to intervene urgently.
