KEY POINTS

• Residents accuse suspected palace-linked thugs of burning homes and shops
• Fresh attacks reportedly followed ongoing demolition exercise in Oworonshoki
• Families flee as properties are destroyed and tensions rise in community

Residents of the Precious Seed area in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, have accused individuals allegedly linked to the palace of a traditional ruler of carrying out fresh attacks and setting homes and businesses ablaze as tensions surrounding an ongoing demolition exercise continue to escalate.

The affected residents say the latest destruction has deepened the hardship already caused by the demolition of properties in the community, leaving many families displaced and struggling to protect their livelihoods.

Several residents expressed anger and frustration over what they described as repeated attacks on their means of survival.

In a video circulating online, one resident questioned why traders and homeowners were being subjected to further losses after already losing their homes to demolition activities.

The resident complained that business goods were being targeted despite previous payments allegedly made to relevant parties and appealed for patience to allow affected persons remove their belongings.

According to the resident, many families had already suffered the loss of their homes and were now facing renewed attacks on their sources of income.

Reports of Fresh Arson Attacks

Residents told reporters that the latest incidents occurred around the Precious Seed axis of Oworonshoki, where several properties were allegedly set on fire.

Witnesses claimed the destruction began on Monday and continued into Tuesday, creating panic across the neighbourhood.

According to community members, many residents fled their homes and abandoned personal belongings to escape the advancing fires and avoid possible violence.

The situation reportedly left several families uncertain about where to seek shelter.

Sources familiar with the crisis alleged that some of those involved in the attacks were linked to the palace of the traditional ruler of the area, identified as Oba Babatunde Saliu.

One source claimed that the operation was allegedly led by a man popularly known as “Apesin,” who was reportedly seen directing activities during the incident.

However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and no official statement from the palace had been issued at the time of reporting.

A source within the community said residents have been living in fear as the demolition exercise continues without what they described as adequate intervention from authorities.

According to the source, people have been forced to flee while properties continue to be destroyed.

The source further claimed that the attacks followed demolition activities that began on June 8 and have since intensified.