Residents of Oworonshoki, Lagos State, have suspended their planned protest against the ongoing demolition of houses in the community following a stern warning from the Lagos State Police Command. The demonstration, which was initially scheduled for Monday, aimed to draw public attention to the demolition of structures near the Third Mainland Bridge, an exercise that has reportedly displaced thousands of families and left many homeless.

Speaking with journalists, Abdullaziz Olamide, General Secretary of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, said the group decided to postpone the protest after receiving a police circular warning that anyone arrested during the demonstration would not be released. He explained that the movement chose to “restrategise” in the face of intimidation. “We have postponed the protest for now. We were at the bridge this morning when we received the police warning that the demolition would continue regardless,” Olamide stated.

Another community member, Olanrewaju Segun, confirmed the postponement but insisted that the protest had only been delayed, not cancelled. “We must be strategic. The protest will still happen,” he said, expressing the residents’ determination to continue pressing their demands peacefully.

When DAILY POST visited the area on Monday, there was a heavy police presence around Iyana-Oworo and adjoining routes leading to the Third Mainland Bridge. Armed officers were stationed at several points to prevent gatherings or possible road blockages.

Residents alleged that the Lagos State Government, with support from security agencies, had already demolished multiple buildings in the Ajileru axis and other parts of Oworonshoki, ignoring repeated appeals and objections from affected homeowners. Many described the demolition as “inhumane” and called for the government to provide relocation support and compensation for displaced families.