Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday, January 28, fired teargas canisters at residents who staged a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex over ongoing demolitions in several communities across the state.
The protesters had converged on the Assembly complex to register their opposition to demolitions affecting Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba-Ijora. They accused the state government of carrying out the demolition exercises without adequate consultation with affected communities, as well as the absence of compensation or resettlement plans.
The protest, which was initially peaceful, took a different turn when teargas canisters were fired at the demonstrators. The action caused panic, forcing protesters to flee the scene.
Some of the protesters reportedly sustained injuries while running to safety as security operatives dispersed the crowd.
