Lagos Police Assure Safety Amid Planned Oworonshoki Protest Over Structures Demolition

The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of their safety following reports of a planned protest by some youths in Oworonshoki against alleged land grabbing linked to the ongoing reconstruction of the Third Mainland Bridge.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the Command said it was aware of circulating information about a planned disruption of movement on the bridge and has deployed adequate security measures to maintain law and order across the state.

“The Lagos State Police Command is aware of information circulating regarding a planned disruption on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area. The Command wishes to assure the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order across the state,” the statement read.

A message sent from a group of people in the Oworonshoki community had earlier warned the public to avoid the bridge on Monday, October 27, 2025, due to a planned protest.

“Please, for those who have planned to work tomorrow morning (Monday, 27th October, 2025), be informed that you should plan your route inward to the island and to the mainland because Oworonshoki youths are planning to lock down the THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE in respect to the protest against the demolition going on in the Oworonshoki community. Please be guided.”

The Command, however, urged Lagosians to remain calm, assuring them that officers have been fully deployed to safeguard lives and property, prevent any form of obstruction, and ensure the free flow of traffic.

“Our officers are fully deployed to ensure the safety of all road users and to prevent any form of obstruction or breach of the peace. Members of the public are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear and to cooperate with security personnel carrying out their duties.”

The Command’s statement reinstated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Tension Over the Weekend

Tension had earlier escalated in Oworonshoki on Saturday when a viral video showed the residents of the Precious Seed Community standing against the security personnel who attempted to continue demolition of structures in the area.

“It is either we shut down the Third Mainland Bridge again or these people leave our land because the last time, the commissioner of police promised that they were leaving, and now they are coming back. People are saying NO to land grabbing,” a voice said.

According to The Cable’s report, residents fled after tear gas was fired by the Police to disperse the face-off with the Lagos State officials.  Although the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency started paying the affected property owners of Oworonshoki on Friday, the residents complained that the notice was too short. However, the state attributed the demolition to the urban regeneration project.

Read Also: Experts Fault Lagos Oworonshoki Demolition, Demand Urgent Resettlement for Displaced Residents