Sowore Vows to Continue Street Protests Despite Police Arrest

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to resume public demonstrations, just hours after his release from police custody.

Sowore was arrested alongside several activists during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja and was released on October 27, after spending several days in detention.

His arrest followed a meeting with the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, regarding the October 20 demonstration calling for Kanu’s release.

Sowore Shifts Focus to Lagos Demolition

Soon after regaining his freedom, Sowore took to Facebook to announce a fresh protest this time against the demolition of homes in Oworonshoki, Lagos State.

He wrote:

“I heard the CP of the Nigeria Police Force Lagos had the effrontery to warn that TIB & I are not to protest over Oworonshoki demolitions. These unprofessional, worn-out officers have no place in our society. The mass action must go on!”

His message has reignited public debate surrounding the Lagos demolition exercise, which reportedly displaced hundreds of residents and left many homeless.

Scenes of Despair in Oworonshoki

Eyewitnesses described the demolition, which allegedly took place late on Saturday night, as a tragic event that reduced several buildings to rubble.

When journalists visited the community, Oluwaseyi and Bishop Ajayi streets were littered with debris personal belongings, mattresses, and children’s school items buried under broken walls.

A distraught resident, Mr. Idris Adeleke, shared his ordeal:

“We have nowhere to stay. Our children can’t attend school anymore. The same government that should protect us destroyed our homes without warning.”

Another resident lamented:

“We are ordinary citizens, not criminals. All we want is fair treatment. The government should compensate or relocate us instead of abandoning us.”

Residents Allege Land Grabbing

Some residents accused the Lagos State Government of using the demolition exercise as a disguise for land grabbing. They claimed the cleared lands were already being marked for private development.

“This is not about urban renewal. It’s about taking land from the poor for the rich. They came at night without notice or compensation,” one resident alleged.