Under the Bridge: The Untold Story of Survival in Lagos
Overview
- Liya’u Sa’adu has lived under Lagos' Obalende Bridge for 30 years, guiding others in a community of resilience.
- Rampant homelessness in Lagos is driven by economic challenges, violence, and forced evictions from settlements.
- Karkashin Gada exemplifies community solidarity as residents share resources and navigate the harsh realities of urban life.
A Community in Adversity
In Lagos, Nigeria, a bustling megacity with a population exceeding 23 million, the contrast between wealth and poverty is stark. Beneath the Obalende Bridge lies Karkashin Gada—a community composed of over 60 men who have made their home in the shadows of the city’s fast-paced life. Among them is Liya’u Sa’adu, who has lived under this bridge for 30 years since fleeing economic hardships and violence in his hometown of Zurmi. Sa’adu has emerged as a pivotal figure, offering guidance and support to newcomers navigating the challenges of urban survival. His role as a mentor, often likened to an elder brother, highlights the importance of community in providing safety and solidarity to those who feel lost in a city that can be both vibrant and unforgiving.
Economic Pressures and Systemic Issues
The surge in homelessness in Lagos is not merely a story of individual misfortune but reflects a broader systemic failure. With two-thirds of residents living below the poverty line, the struggle for housing is relentless. Economic instability, compounded by a lack of sustainable job opportunities, forces individuals into precarious situations, while government policies increasingly target informal settlements for redevelopment. Over the past few years, thousands have been forcibly evicted from their homes. Reports indicate that many have lost not only their shelter but their lives during violent raids, highlighting an urgent humanitarian crisis. In this context, Karkashin Gada becomes a refuge for a diverse group of individuals, uniting them in shared experiences of displacement and resilience as they find solace in each other's company and strength in their collective identity.
Survival Strategies and Community Bonds
Within Karkashin Gada, survival takes on a communal nature. Residents rely on their resourcefulness and solidarity, sharing food, shelter, and emotional support. Sa’adu, with his entrepreneurial spirit, has shifted from a low-paying job as a shoe-shiner to collecting and selling scrap metal, managing to make 5,000 naira a day—barely enough to send money back to his family in Zamfara state. The community shares communal meals, often purchasing traditional northern Nigerian dishes from local vendors, thus preserving their cultural ties. This sharing of resources fosters a profound sense of belonging and camaraderie, transforming their dire circumstances into a testament of human spirit and resilience. Despite constant threats of eviction from the Lagos State environmental task force, the men of Karkashin Gada remain undeterred, sticking together in their resolve to face the challenges of life under the bridge and carving out a semblance of hope amidst despair.
Loading...