Thousands lose homes as 'Venice of Nigeria' is demolished.

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In pictures: Authorities begin demolishing the largest floating slum in the world

 

People evacuate, as authorities burn leftover structures.  REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun

Thousands of residents in the historic Makoko waterfront community have been left homeless after authorities demolished their stilt houses, displacing families who have lived for generations above the Lagos Lagoon.

Officials are removing structures, including homes and schools, in a wider push to recover lagoon side land from the historic fishing community often called the "Venice of Nigeria."

Authorities have not announced any formal resettlement plan for the latest displaced families. 

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