02/09/2026
It all began on Thursday morning, 27 August 2026.
A dispute reportedly over ₦200, less than $0.15 - quickly escalated.
A commercial motorcycle rider reportedly stabbed a young man over the disagreement. What began as an isolated incident soon escalated into violence in parts of the community, taking on an ethnic dimension involving Yoruba and Hausa residents.
The consequences have been devastating.
Lives have been lost. Homes have been destroyed. Families have been displaced.
Within less than 24 hours, government intervention reportedly led to the demolition of illegal structures in areas identified as high-tension zones, predominantly inhabited by Northerners and other residents.
Buildings located close to power lines were also pulled down.
Some of our little ones live there.
For some of these children, this is the only home they have ever known.
Last week, they watched as their homes came crashing down.
According to reports, more than 5,000 residents have been rendered homeless.
The pain.
The agony.
The losses.
The destruction.
The helplessness.
These are not just numbers or statistics. These are families. These are children. These are people.
The ikola community is also home to several of our projects, including our free school in Alimosho. We have walked alongside many of these families and children, and it is heartbreaking to imagine the fear, confusion and uncertainty they are experiencing right now.
We can only pray that help reaches them quickly - and that they receive the care, support, dignity and protection they deserve.
If you would like to support families affected by this crisis, please send us a message or email.
Donations can be made to:
Street to School Initiative
GTBank
Account Number: 0162126614
Every contribution, no matter the size, can help a family begin to rebuild.
