Renewed Tension in Oworonshoki as Lagos Task Force Resumes Demolition

Residents of the Oworonshoki community in Lagos State are once again facing a wave of fear and uncertainty following the reported return of the Lagos State Task Force with bulldozers to the Precious Seed Community on Saturday morning, a move that has reignited demolition activities in the area.

Dependable NG reports that the renewed operation has sparked panic and anger among the locals, many of whom are still grappling with the devastating aftermath of a previous demolition that saw over 1,000 homes razed and thousands of people displaced. This latest action appears to contradict earlier assurances given by both the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the traditional ruler (Oba) of Oworonshoki, who had promised residents that no further demolitions would take place.

A resident who provided video evidence of the operation lamented the breach of promise, stating, “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.”

Another anonymous resident conveyed a profound sense of betrayal regarding the government’s action. “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 remarked. The repeated actions by the state authorities have fueled accusations of insensitivity, especially given the state’s ongoing efforts to commence compensation for some of the earlier affected residents in the community.

As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Government has not released any official statement to explain or justify the sudden resumption of demolition activities in the community, leaving the already distressed residents in suspense and further heightening the tension in Oworonshoki. The lack of clarification continues to raise questions about adherence to due process and the protection of citizens’ rights in the state’s urban renewal drive.