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Oworonshoki demolitions: Residents postpone planned protest after police warning (PHOTOS)
Residents of Oworonshoki in Lagos State have suspended their planned protest against the ongoing demolition of houses in the community, citing threats of arrest issued by the Lagos State Police Command.
The demonstration, initially slated for Monday, was intended to draw public attention to the demolition of structures near the Third Mainland Bridge, an operation residents claim has displaced thousands of families and left many without shelter.
Speaking with journalists on Monday, the General Secretary of the Take It Back, TIB, Movement, Abdullaziz Olamide, confirmed the decision to suspend the protest, explaining that it was done to “restrategise” in the face of police threats.
“We have postponed the protest for now. We were at the bridge this morning when we received a police circular warning that anyone arrested would not be released, and that the demolition would continue regardless,” Olamide said.
The Take It Back Movement, founded by activist Omoyele Sowore, has been coordinating community resistance and mobilising residents affected by the government’s demolition exercise.
Another community member, Olanrewaju Segun, also confirmed the postponement but insisted that the protest would eventually take place.
“We must be strategic. The protest will still happen,” Segun stated.
It was observed on Monday, there was a heavy police presence around Iyana-Oworo and adjoining access points leading to the Third Mainland Bridge.
Armed officers were stationed at multiple locations to prevent any form of gathering or road blockage.
Residents alleged that the Lagos State government, with the backing of security personnel, had completely demolished buildings in the Ajileru axis near the bridge, as well as several other parts of Oworonshoki.
The exercise, they claimed, proceeded despite repeated objections and pleas from affected families.
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