For 30 years, Liya’u Sa’adu has called the space under Lagos’s Obalende Bridge home. At 60, Sa’adu has become a guiding figure for the more than 60 men now living in this tight-knit community, which has come to be known as “Karkashin Gada,” meaning “Under the Bridge” in Hausa.
Sa’adu, who speaks Hausa and arrived from Zurmi in Zamfara state in 1994, helps newcomers—many of whom are young people from distant towns—navigate the challenges of life in Lagos, a city where crime and drugs are prevalent.
“I see it as my responsibility to guide them,” Sa’adu told the BBC. “It’s easy to lose track here, especially for young people without family.”
Tukur Garba, a 31-year-old resident from Katsina, praises Sa’adu’s wisdom and leadership. “He is like our elder brother. His advice is invaluable in this challenging city.”
The bridge community has grown from fewer than 10 people when Sa’adu arrived to a larger group due to increasing homelessness in Lagos, driven by factors like insecurity and economic hardship in northern Nigeria. Adamu Sahara, a nearby resident for over 30 years, highlights the worsening situation, emphasizing the need for greater attention from Nigerian leaders.
Despite the difficulties, Sa’adu has made his space more comfortable with a mattress, bedding, a wooden cabinet, and a mosquito net. He earns a modest living scavenging metal for recycling, making about 5,000 naira ($3) daily, which barely covers his needs and sends money to his family in Zamfara.
Life in Karkashin Gada involves using a nearby public bath and toilet for a small fee, while cooking is rare. Most residents buy food from vendors selling popular northern dishes, like fura (millet flour mixed with fermented milk).
In recent months, the community has faced pressure from Lagos’s environmental task force, which conducts occasional raids and imposes fines for illegal habitation. The exact number of people living on Lagos’s streets is unknown, but estimates suggest it could be as high as half a million.
Culled: BBC
