Mobilise to Resist Fresh Demolitions

Tension flared in Oworonshoki on Sunday morning as operatives of the Lagos State Task Force reportedly returned to the community with heavily armed security personnel and suspected thugs — sparking fears of another round of demolitions despite an active court order halting such actions.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that officials arrived shortly after dawn in several vehicles, with bulldozers positioned nearby, suggesting preparations for renewed demolition activity.

“They are about to commence demolition,” one resident said, raising alarm that the government appeared poised to violate the restraining injunction issued by the court.

The arrival of the operatives, alongside plainclothes individuals believed to be hired thugs, triggered panic across the neighbourhood. Residents rushed out of their homes as news rapidly circulated through the community.

Residents Mobilise in Defiance

In immediate response, Oworonshoki residents began organising to resist what they describe as an unlawful assault on their homes.
Youth groups and community leaders were seen holding emergency meetings and urging neighbours to stand their ground.

“This is illegal. There is a restraining order. We will not allow them to destroy our homes again,” a community representative said, accusing the Lagos State Government of ignoring due process and employing intimidation tactics to forcibly displace residents.

A Long-Standing Conflict

The latest development marks another escalation in the protracted dispute between Oworonshoki residents and the state government over:

• land ownership
• demolition directives
• relocation pressures

Earlier demolitions reportedly displaced thousands, drawing condemnation from civil society groups and human rights organisations.

Legal Uncertainty as Officials Move on Sunday

Community lawyers are expected to issue a formal response, but residents expressed concern that officials may proceed before legal protections can be reinforced — especially as the court does not sit on Sundays.

As of the time of this report, the atmosphere remains tense, with residents bracing for possible confrontation if demolition crews attempt to begin work.