Tension gripped Oworonshoki, a bustling community in Lagos State, on Saturday as officials of the Lagos State Task Force reportedly returned to the Precious Seed Community with bulldozers to resume demolition activities.
The renewed operation comes despite earlier assurances from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki that no further demolitions would take place in the area. Residents expressed shock and anger over the development, warning that the move could escalate unrest in the densely populated community.
Eyewitnesses said that as early as 8:00 a.m., bulldozers and officials of the Task Force were stationed in the community, clearing structures and preparing to demolish homes. One resident, who shared video footage of the ongoing activity, said: “A bulldozer and members of the Lagos State Task Force are currently stationed at Precious Seed Community in Oworonshoki to continue demolition. They have returned this morning, despite promises from the Commissioner of Police and the Oba that such would not happen again when the Third Mainland Bridge was shut down.”
The Third Mainland Bridge, one of Lagos’ key transportation arteries, was recently closed for maintenance works. Authorities had earlier assured residents that demolitions in Oworonshoki would be halted to prevent further displacement during the bridge closure.
Another resident, speaking anonymously, condemned the government’s action, describing it as a betrayal of trust. “We were told the demolition would stop, but here we are again facing the same nightmare. The government and traditional leaders need to be held accountable for their words and actions,” the resident said.
The community has yet to recover from a previous wave of demolitions, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes and displaced thousands of residents. Families are struggling to rebuild, with many living in temporary shelters or with relatives. Local business owners also suffered losses, with shops and stalls demolished during the earlier operation.
Civil society groups have raised concerns about the timing and manner of the renewed demolition, noting that such actions deepen distrust between government authorities and residents. “People are understandably upset. The government had promised a halt, and yet bulldozers have returned. This undermines confidence in the authorities and could spark confrontation,” said a human rights advocate who asked not to be named.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official statement explaining the reason for the renewed demolition. The Oba of Oworonshoki and other community leaders were reportedly meeting with residents to calm fears and negotiate with the authorities.
The renewed demolition has thrown Precious Seed Community into a state of uncertainty, raising urgent questions about urban planning, residents’ rights, and the responsibilities of government authorities in managing Lagos’ rapidly growing population.
