Shanties in a Lagos lagoon: Bulldozed and burnt
AI Summary
In Lagos, Nigeria, the Makoko waterfront settlement, a 19th-century fishing community and home to low-income families, is undergoing demolitions. Lagos State government officials state the demolitions are due to the settlement's expansion near high-voltage power lines, posing safety risks. However, residents and NGOs describe the demolitions as a "land grab" to gentrify the prime waterfront location. The demolitions began shortly before Christmas, with homes reportedly being torn down and burned, sometimes with residents still inside. Displaced residents are now living on the ruins of their homes. The state government claims ownership of the lagoon under federal law, citing a lack of planning permission and occupancy rights, a claim disputed by older residents.
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This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).
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