“We are homeless in Lagos”, protesters shutdown Third Mainland Bridge 

CITIZENS COMPASS—Protesters on Monday, shut down the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State, to vent their anger against what they described as the unjust demolition of property in the Oworonshoki area of the State.

The protests started from various quarters in Oworonshoki and extended to the Third Mainland Bridge putting vehicular movement on stand still.

The demolition which took place over the weekend continued on Monday as the protesters intensified efforts.

In 2023, some parts of Oworonshoki witnessed an unusual demolition of property by the state government as many affected victims were rendered homeless.

One of the property owners, a widow, simply identified as Iya Fatia suffered a stroke in 2023 when her two buildings were demolished.

She later relocated to Abeokuta, Ogun State to find succour.

On Monday, the protesters trooped out in large numbers bearing placards of various inscriptions and shut down the Third Mainland Bridge.

Some videos of the protesters have since gone viral where some stranded road users blamed the state government for the demolition.

Apart from people like Iya Fatia, Citizens Compass learnt that some affected victims have given up the ghost as a result of the trauma they experienced in the course of the demolition.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, rose to the occasion by calming the protesters.

According to the Lagos State Police Command

DSP Babaseyi B. Oluseyi,

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command in a statement said, “Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that normalcy has been fully restored on the 3rd Mainland Bridge following a protest earlier today, Monday, 8th September 2025, staged by residents of Oworo over demolitions in their area. The protesters had blocked the section of the bridge near Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, obstructing movement from the Island to the Mainland.

“Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, swiftly moved to the scene alongside detachments of the Mobile Police Force, Tactical Units, and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel. His presence was to ensure immediate engagement, de-escalation, and the protection of lives and property.

“The Commissioner of Police personally interfaced with the protesters in a bid to understand their grievances and persuade them to vacate the bridge. Despite his appeals, the protesters remained adamant, resulting in continued blockage of the busy route and worsening the distress of commuters, including reports of sick individuals trapped in traffic who required urgent medical attention.

“In the interest of public safety and to avert further breakdown of law and order, the Commissioner of Police directed the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd. Barricades erected by the protesters were dismantled, traffic obstructions were cleared, and the free flow of vehicles was restored without any loss of life.

“The Lagos State Police Command reassures the public of its neutrality and unwavering commitment to maintaining law, order, and peace across the State. The Command also calls on residents to always channel their grievances through lawful means while assuring that the police remain dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens”.