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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