Police Deny Shooting Protesters Over Demolition In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed claims that officers fired at residents protesting the demolition of their homes, insisting that no firearms were used during the demonstration.

This was addressed by the Police Commissioner, Jimoh Olohundare on Thursday in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

He was reacting to claims that a protester was shot in the leg when the aggrieved residents marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa.

THE WHISTLER reports that on Wednesday, protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, and Oko Baba had staged a demonstration, demanding proper compensation and relocation following the demolition of their properties.

Some also called for justice for residents who reportedly lost their lives during previous demolition exercises.

A widely circulated photograph showing an injured protester fueled claims that police had opened fire.

However, Olohundare denied the allegations, saying, “No gun was fired. We used only teargas to disperse the crowd.”

He explained that police were deployed early to maintain order and prevent criminal elements from hijacking the protest.

According to him, the situation escalated when unknown groups joined the march, disrupted traffic on Awolowo Way, and created risks for commuters, including those with medical emergencies.

The commissioner stressed that the Lagos State Police Command respects citizens’ right to peaceful protest, describing it as a core element of democracy.

“Protest is part of democracy. We have police to protect it in a peaceful way,” he said.