By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Citizens Gavel (CG), a civil advocacy group, has condemned the Lagos State Government for demolishing police barracks, leaving 347 families homeless and sparking outrage over the inadequate compensation of N2 million offered.

Sylvester Agih, Legal Associate at Citizens Gavel, stated that the compensation package is grossly inadequate.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Agih emphasized that the N2 million compensation fails to address the high housing costs in Lagos, potentially forcing affected police officers into extortion.

The demolition, part of a redevelopment plan, has displaced families formerly residing at the Bourdillon Road Police Barracks, Ikoyi.

CG argued that the compensation is insufficient to cover the financial burden of Lagos’ rising cost of living and escalating housing prices.

The group expressed concerns that the meagre compensation may compel affected police officers to engage in extortion to supplement their income and meet rental obligations.

According to the organization, this could lead to psychological distress among officers, impairing their ability to perform their duties effectively.

Citizens Gavel also criticized the government’s lack of adequate planning and consultation with stakeholders before the demolition.

The group urged the government to reconsider its approach, proposing alternative solutions such as increased compensation reflecting current economic realities, comprehensive housing assistance programs for police personnel, proper planning and consultation with stakeholders before future demolitions, and support services, including counselling and financial advice, for affected families.

Agih said, “We express our dismay at the N2 million compensation, which fails to reflect the financial burden these families will face in paying the expensive yearly house rents in Lagos. We fear that this inadequate compensation may compel affected police officers to engage in extortion to supplement their income and meet rental obligations.

“This unfortunate situation could also lead to psychological distress among police officers, impairing their ability to effectively carry out their statutory duties of protecting lives and property.

“It is imperative that the government prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and personnel, particularly in matters as critical as housing. We urge the authorities to immediately rectify this situation and ensure that such oversights do not occur in the future.”