Testimony Jaga raises concerns over Amikanle Command demolitions

By Rita Okoye

Gospel singer Testimony Jaga has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently provide clarity on the recent demolition of homes and shops around the Amikanle–Command axis in Alimosho, following troubling accounts shared by displaced residents.

Jaga, who identifies as a leader of the street gospel movement, said residents initially accepted the demolition exercise after being informed that the affected structures were built under high-tension power lines and posed a threat to public safety.

However, the singer told journalists at a zero-interest loan empowerment programme he organised for widows that community members are now alarmed by reports suggesting that the reclaimed land is being allocated to new buyers.

According to him, this has fuelled suspicion, anger, and deep uncertainty, raising questions about the true motive behind the operation. Jaga explained that he intervened after observing heightened agitation among young people in the area. He warned that the growing tension, if not promptly addressed, could escalate into unrest. He urged the state government to communicate transparently, show compassion, and take responsibility where necessary to prevent further crises.

Several displaced residents who spoke to the press described the demolition as harsh and destabilising. Many lamented that they were rendered homeless without adequate notice, while traders said their livelihoods vanished overnight.

One resident, Olabisi Osho, said she had lived in her home for 28 years before it was demolished. She appealed to the government for compensation and humane consideration. Another victim, Elizabeth Oni, recounted how her husband died from shock shortly after their home was marked for demolition. For Aliya Adejare, the destruction meant losing every possession she owned, while Ikotun Shola said her shop was levelled, leaving her with no goods or income to support her family.

Jaga insisted that compensation for victims is not only expected but morally imperative. He stressed that if the land is being repurposed or sold, affected residents deserve honest and straightforward communication.

He added that the situation requires empathy, transparency, and decisive leadership, saying: “The people have suffered enough. They deserve to be treated with dignity.”