- Lagos Police Deny Shooting Protesters During Anti Demolition Demonstration
- Police say only teargas was used to control crowd
- Protest caused traffic disruption on Awolowo Way
The Lagos State Police Command has denied claims that its officers opened fire on residents who protested against the demolition of their homes in parts of the state.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Kano: ‘I Will Not Abandon Kwankwaso’ – Gov Yusuf’s Aide Resigns
- 5 Health Risks Men Face After Age 40
- CBN to Introduce New Policy to Regulate Debit Card Issuance, ATM Operations
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the protest took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, when residents from Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin and Oko Baba marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa to express anger over the demolition of their properties.
Speaking on Thursday during a television programme, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Jimoh Olohundare, said no officer discharged a firearm during the protest. He explained that the police only used teargas to disperse the crowd after the situation became tense.
According to him, officers were deployed early to secure the protest and prevent criminal elements from hijacking the gathering. He said intelligence reports indicated that some individuals carrying dangerous weapons had infiltrated the crowd.
Olohundare said the situation escalated when unidentified groups joined the protesters, began chanting aggressive songs and moved towards the House of Assembly, resulting in the blockage of Awolowo Way in Ikeja.
The police said the road blockade caused serious disruption, trapping motorists in traffic for several hours. Some residents with medical conditions reportedly fainted inside their vehicles and were rushed for medical attention.
Following the protest, a photograph of an injured man being assisted to a hospital circulated widely on social media, with claims that he was shot by the police. Other reports alleged that some protesters were arrested. These claims triggered reactions from activists, human rights groups and members of the public.
Responding to the allegations, Olohundare said the police respected citizens’ right to peaceful protest but must also ensure public safety.
“No gun was fired throughout the entire process of the protests yesterday. What we used was the minimum force of using teargas to disperse them,” he said.
He added that protests remain a vital part of democracy, stressing that the police would continue to protect peaceful demonstrations while maintaining law and order across the state.
FURTHER READING
- Military Crushes Terror Cells Across Regions, Arrests 100 Suspects
- Why Did DHQ Deny Coup Plot Against Tinubu For Months?
- FG Rolls Out University Advancement Initiative
