The Lagos State Police Command has denied allegations that its officers opened fire on residents protesting the demolition of their homes, insisting that no firearms were used during the demonstration.
The Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, addressed the claims on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, in response to reports that a protester was shot in the leg during a march to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa.
Reports had earlier indicated that residents from communities such as Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, and Oko Baba staged the protest to demand adequate compensation and relocation following the demolition of their properties.
Some of the demonstrators also called for justice for residents who were reportedly killed during previous demolition exercises.
Meanwhile, a photograph showing an injured protester, which circulated widely on social media, further fueled claims that police officers had fired live ammunition during the protest.
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 Police Command respects the right to peaceful protest, adding, “Protest is part of democracy. We have police to protect it in a peaceful way.”
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