The Lagos State Police Command has deployed officers around the Third Mainland Bridge following threats by Oworonshoki youths to protest ongoing demolitions in their community.
The Lagos State Police Command has deployed officers to the Oworonshoki area following threats by youths to block the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday in protest against the ongoing demolition of structures in the waterside community.
A viral notice circulated on social media warned commuters to plan alternative routes, stating that “Oworonshoki youths are planning to lockdown the THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE in respect to the protest against the demolition going on in Oworonshoki community.”
Over the weekend, videos showed residents of Precious Seed community fleeing as security operatives attached to Lagos State officials reportedly fired teargas during demolition exercises. The officials, accompanied by bulldozers, continued pulling down buildings under the state’s urban regeneration project.
The Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) began compensating affected property owners on Friday, following earlier protests in September over the same issue.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement, assured residents of safety, saying, “Adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order across the state.”
She urged Lagosians to go about their lawful activities without fear and cooperate with officers deployed to maintain peace and prevent road obstructions.