Seasoned psychiatrists have warned that the ongoing demolition of homes in Makoko could trigger severe emotional distress, mental disorders, and suicidal thoughts among displaced residents.
They explained that sudden displacement may expose vulnerable individuals to depression and other mental health crises.
The psychiatrists said forced eviction and loss of shelter often create feelings of hopelessness, fear, and instability, especially among families with limited social support.
According to the mental health experts, the psychological impact of losing one’s home can be as devastating as the physical and economic consequences, particularly for children and elderly residents.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that residents displaced by the demolition across Lagos, with the recent case being Makoko, say they are still struggling to adjust as they attempt to resettle in areas across the state.
Makoko is Africa’s largest and most iconic floating slum.
For weeks, PUNCH Healthwise reports that families displaced by the demolition in Makoko, including several nursing mothers and their babies, have been forced to live on canoes, struggling to survive as children miss life-saving vaccines.
In another report, PUNCH Healthwise also highlighted how the demolition is taking a devastating toll on displaced pregnant women, many of whom now sleep in canoes, battle hunger and anaemia, and face an increased risk of preterm birth.
On January 28, 2026, outrage trailed police crackdown on residents who protested the demolition of their homes across parts of the state.
Human rights groups, activists, and social media users faulted the Lagos State Police Command and the Lagos State Government over the arrest and the use of force on the protesters drawn from Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, Oko Baba, and other communities.
Meanwhile, the Lagos government had justified its actions, insisting it engaged residents of Makoko and other waterfront communities for several years before demolishing structures in the areas
The government dismissed claims that the exercise was carried out without notice.
But speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the psychiatrists explained that addressing the emotional trauma of displaced residents must be treated as a public health priority alongside housing and social welfare concerns.
A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Sunday Amosu, explained that housing is not just a physical structure, adding that a home is tied to safety, identity, and belonging.
“When people suddenly lose their belongings, their safety, and their physical structure due to demolition, especially when there is no prior notice or the notice is very short, it has mental implications. A lot of things can happen, including depression,” he said.
Part of the psychological effect, Amosu said, includes an acute stress reaction.
“Demolition can trigger an acute stress reaction. The affected individual’s pulse and blood pressure will go up. Sometimes they may even try to run back into the house, saying they would rather be demolished with the house. That is an acute stress reaction as a result of the trauma of demolition,” he added.
He noted that the displaced individuals would also battle anxiety and fear, particularly when there is uncertainty about the future.
“The uncertainty about shelter and finances will lead to sustained anxiety, chronic anxiety, and fear. Even after relocation, that fear may remain.
“These individuals may become depressed as a result of hopelessness. Many depressive symptoms can occur. When they look behind and look forward, and see no hope. They begin to feel trapped.
“That helplessness can lead to a grief reaction. It is like a loss, as if someone died,” Amosu said.
According to him, they may also experience loss of identity and dignity due to shame, humiliation, and social exclusion.
“Someone who belonged to a landlord association suddenly loses that identity and becomes dependent on others. Such a person may develop suicidal thoughts. Social disruption and isolation follow, and isolation itself can lead to depression. Some may increase substance use as a coping mechanism,” he said.
Aside from mental health implications, the psychiatrist also said there are physical health consequences to demolition.
“Forced eviction can cause injuries and accidents. Exposure to environmental hazards can lead to infections. Chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease can worsen. Medication routines are disrupted. Overcrowding in temporary housing spreads infection. Poor nutrition and sleep deprivation weaken the body,” he said.
Amosu noted that for people living with existing mental health conditions, demolition can act as a precipitating factor.
“Some illnesses are latent and not obvious, but this event pushes them out. Medication may stop. Access to care is lost. Relapse becomes likely. Even people who never had mental illness may develop depression, adjustment disorder, psychosis, or substance use disorder after prolonged trauma,” he said.
Also speaking, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Nidus Consultants, Dr. Samuel Aladejare, said losing homes would destabilise anyone, particularly those who don’t have any other option.
“Most people are left without alternatives, and that adds huge psychological pressure. The absence of a home destabilised the people involved completely,” he said.
Aladejare added, “The ramifications extend beyond individuals to the community. We are talking about people who lived together for decades, with shared identities, support systems, and a sense of belonging. When that is suddenly destroyed, the psychological damage is not individual; it becomes collective.”
He explained that those who can’t cope with the psychological damage may consider suicide.
“Some people will not be able to cope with the pressure of having to start all over. Some of them were living and working in that same environment, so they have lost both their homes and their workplaces.
“The burden of trying to put all these pieces together can become overwhelming, and for some people who are unable to cope, it may lead to suicide,” Aladejare said.
On how to protect their mental health, the consultant psychiatrist urged those who lost their homes to take responsibility for their survival in the immediate term.
“They should seek as much support as possible and not be afraid to ask for help from family members, remote relatives, religious communities, or friends in other locations. This is a time when support is essential, and people should accept help wherever it is available,” he said.
He also urged those affected to keep hope alive.
“They must realise this is not the end of life. Human beings have a remarkable ability to survive extreme situations and still rebuild. The capacity to endure hardship and come out with a better story exists within them. They must not give up, no matter how difficult things are right now,” he said.
On what the government should do, the consultant psychiatrist said it is incumbent on the government to alleviate their suffering.
“Temporary accommodation should be created quickly. Emergency shelter areas should be established where people can at least have a place to stay while negotiations and longer-term solutions are arranged.
“This is necessary to prevent a humanitarian and public health disaster,” he said.