Tension escalated in the Coker area of Oworonshoki, Lagos State, on Monday as residents reported a new round of demolition in the neighbourhood. Eyewitnesses said demolition crews moved into the community early Sunday, reportedly tearing down structures, including some that residents claim were not marked for removal.
“Heavy demolition is ongoing in Coker axis of Oworonshoki. Even houses that were not marked for demolition are being demolished,” a community source told SaharaReporters. The sudden operation caused panic, with residents rushing to salvage their belongings.
Locals said the demolition followed the arrival of heavily armed Lagos State Task Force officers and plain-clothed individuals suspected to be thugs on November 23. Bulldozers were stationed nearby, intensifying fears that more homes could be affected. Residents claimed the government’s action defied a Lagos court restraining order issued to halt further demolition pending resolution of ongoing legal disputes over land ownership and relocation.
Community leaders and youth groups called emergency meetings to urge calm while resisting what they described as an “illegal and unjustified assault” on their homes. The incident is the latest in a prolonged conflict between Oworonshoki residents and the Lagos State Government, with previous demolitions having displaced thousands and drawing condemnation from civil society and human rights organisations.
