Lagos, a major protest erupted in Lagos as angry residents of Oworonshoki stormed the Third Mainland Bridge to express outrage over ongoing demolitions in their community. The demonstration brought traffic to a standstill, disrupted movement across the city, and ignited a wave of public and emotional reactions from victims, civil groups, and concerned citizens.

The bridge — a vital link between Lagos Island and the mainland — became a stage for a powerful outcry as residents held placards, chanted slogans, and demanded immediate attention from the Lagos State Government.

Why They Protested

Oworonshoki has become ground zero for controversial demolition exercises by the Lagos State Government. The demolitions, which began in 2023, have reportedly displaced more than 10,000 residents, destroyed over 1,000 homes, and claimed several lives due to hardship, trauma, and inadequate resettlement support.

Activists and human rights groups say the government gave no personal notice, offered no compensation, and has failed to provide an alternative settlement plan.

“We were living happily before they started dredging. We are not opposed to development, but life has become so difficult for us,”
said one distressed resident to Punch Newspapers.

Another protester lamented:

“Our livelihoods were destroyed. The fishermen can no longer fish, our children are out of school, and our homes are now rubble. This isn’t just development — it’s displacement.”

On the Bridge: A Protest Born of Desperation

The protest, which blocked both lanes of the Third Mainland Bridge for hours, was as strategic as it was symbolic. The protesters held signs that read:

“Let us breathe, stop the demolition.”

“No to land grabbing.”

“Don’t get elected to get us evicted.”

“Our future is being truncated.”

Civil society group Take It Back Movement and the Coalition of Victims of Oworonshoki Demolition supported the action and demanded:

Immediate compensation for displaced families

An end to all further demolitions in the area

A public apology from the Lagos State Government

Resettlement and rehabilitation of the affected community

According to Tuzzuper, the groups also allege that the demolitions have resulted in the deaths of at least 22 persons, many of whom were vulnerable women and children who could not survive the sudden displacement.

Reactions From the Ground

Here are some direct comments from affected residents and observers:

“They came in like thieves in the night. No warning, just bulldozers. Now we sleep on the church floor with our kids.” – Displaced mother of three

“We are human beings, not animals. How can a government treat its people this way?” – Fisherman and community elder

“Our lives are worth more than land reclamation projects. What’s the plan for us now?” – Local youth leader

“Government only listens when the people make noise. If we didn’t block the bridge, would they have heard us?” – Community protester

Even those outside the community joined the conversation on social media, with sentiments like:

“How does a city destroy homes without a backup plan for its people?”
“We can’t keep choosing infrastructure over human dignity.”

Government Response and Legislative Pressure

Following the incident, the Lagos State House of Assembly has reportedly ordered a temporary halt to the demolitions and has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the legality and human cost of the operation.

While this appears to be a step toward dialogue, residents insist that words are not enough. They want action — concrete plans, financial restitution, and dignity restored.

A Plea for Inclusive Development

The protest at the Third Mainland Bridge is not just a moment of anger; it is a reflection of years of neglect, poor communication, and unchecked government action. While urban renewal is necessary in a growing city like Lagos, it cannot come at the cost of human suffering and community destruction.

As reactions pour in, the message is clear: the people of Oworonshoki are not just fighting for their homes — they are fighting for recognition, justice, and the right to exist in the city they’ve helped build.