Human rights groups and civil society organisations have condemned the Lagos State Government and the police following the use of tear gas on residents protesting demolitions across several communities.
The demonstrators, drawn from Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin and others, were dispersed near the Lagos State House of Assembly after demanding compensation, relocation plans and accountability for alleged deaths linked to past demolitions.
Human rights groups, activists and concerned Nigerians have condemned the Lagos State Police Command and the Lagos State Government over the forceful dispersal and arrest of residents protesting the demolition of their homes across parts of the state.
Hundreds of protesters converged on Wednesday at the Ikeja Under Bridge before marching towards the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, demanding compensation, relocation plans and justice for residents displaced by demolition exercises.
The protesters, drawn from Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, Oko Baba and other affected communities, carried placards bearing messages such as “A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor”, “Urban poor is not a crime”, and “Lagos is not for the rich alone.”
Police Block Assembly Access, Tension Escalates
On arrival at the Assembly complex, the demonstrators were stopped by the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, who informed them that access into the legislative premises would not be granted.
Protest leaders rejected the restriction, insisting that meaningful engagement could only occur within the Assembly chambers. As tensions mounted, lawmakers reportedly stepped out to address the crowd, but the protesters declined the offer.
Moments later, police officers fired tear gas canisters to disperse the gathering, plunging the area into chaos.
Thick tear gas smoke engulfed the area, triggering panic as protesters, journalists and bystanders fled for safety. Several people sustained injuries during the dispersal.
A PUNCH videographer reportedly collapsed after inhaling tear gas fumes, while a nursing mother was seen shielding her baby as she ran from the scene. One protester sustained a leg injury after being hit by a tear gas canister.
Police Justify Use Of Force
Defending the police action, Commissioner Jimoh said the protest infringed on the rights of other road users.
“Peaceful protest is allowed, but when it blocks a public highway, it becomes dangerous to lives,” he said, adding that officers used what he described as “minimal force” to restore order.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrest of two protesters, Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank, for alleged conspiracy and conduct likely to breach public peace.
Activist Yemi Adamolekun, who witnessed the protest, disputed the police narrative.
“They were calm, and at the point tear gas was fired, they were being asked to sit down so water and snacks could be shared,” she said, insisting the road was already partially blocked by police.
Similarly, the President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Debo Adeniran, condemned the use of tear gas, describing it as a violation of constitutional rights.
The Take-It-Back Movement also criticised the arrests, stating that “peaceful protest is not a crime.”
Assembly, Police Deny Shooting Protesters
The Lagos State Police Command later denied claims that officers fired live ammunition during the protest, insisting no gunshots were discharged.
Commissioner Jimoh said injuries sustained were likely caused during attempts to flee from tear gas, not from bullets.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly said it attempted to engage protesters despite being on recess, accusing some protest leaders of verbal abuse and attempts to force entry into the complex.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
