Residents of Surulere Community in Amikanle, near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have been left devastated after suspected landgrabbers, popularly known as Omo Onile, allegedly demolished scores of houses and demanded millions of naira from property owners.

The hoodlums reportedly invaded the community on January 27, 2026, demanding payments ranging from N15 million to N55 million from homeowners, depending on the size of their land. Those who failed to meet the demands allegedly had their buildings pulled down.

Checks revealed that no fewer than 70 structures, including residential buildings, shops, and perimeter fences, were destroyed during the operation.

Residents said about 300 thugs stormed the area, claiming they were acting on court documents from the Federal Housing Authority authorising them to collect money for what they described as “house renewal,” with threats to demolish properties whose owners refused to comply.

One of the affected families, Oluwafewa, who identified himself as a child of one of the landlords, alleged that security operatives accompanied the group during the two-week operation.

“The thugs asked landlords to obtain a form costing N100,000. After that, they demanded an initial payment of N5 million and directed them to pay the balance within two weeks,” he said.

“They charged different amounts for different houses. Some people were asked to pay N25 million, while they demanded N15 million from my parents.”

Oluwafewa further dismissed claims that the group was acting on behalf of any government agency.

“They are working for no one. They are Omo Onile, and they claimed they own the estate. The FHA has told them to desist, as it did not authorise any demolition,” he added.

During a visit to the community, policemen were observed stationed nearby with their patrol vehicles, while some of the hoodlums sat in front of demolished properties.

A resident, who requested anonymity, alleged that the group assaulted a man who attempted to film their activities on the first day of the invasion.

“They beat someone who was filming them. They almost destroyed his phone. They really dealt with us,” the resident said.

Another community member claimed the dispute had lingered for years, recounting how his uncle allegedly lost his home a decade ago under similar circumstances.

“My uncle lost his property to them 10 years ago. They demanded N5 million from him back then. He couldn’t afford it and forfeited the house. This problem has been here for years, and there seems to be no solution in sight,” he said.

Last week, aggrieved residents staged a peaceful protest in front of the demolished buildings, holding placards and calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other political leaders to intervene.

“They mounted our buildings and removed the roofs. We have written petitions and visited several offices, but no help has come. At this point, we don’t know what to do,” one of the protesters lamented.