The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, has denied claims that police officers shot residents protesting the demolition of their homes, insisting that no firearm was discharged during the demonstration.
Olohundare spoke on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, following widespread reports that a protester was shot in the leg during a march to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa.
On Wednesday, protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, and Oko Baba gathered at the Assembly complex to demand proper relocation plans and compensation after the demolition of their properties. Some also called for justice for residents who reportedly lost their lives during previous demolition exercises.
A photograph showing an injured protester being taken to a hospital circulated widely on social media, with claims that the individual was shot by police. Reports also suggested some protesters were arrested, drawing criticism from human rights groups, activists, and social media users.
Reacting to the allegations, Commissioner Olohundare dismissed claims of gunfire.
“No gun was fired throughout the entire process of the protests yesterday,” he said. “What we used was the minimum force of teargas to disperse them.”
He added that police officers were deployed early to maintain security and prevent criminal elements from hijacking the protest.
“We moved in on time at Ikeja Under Bridge to provide security so that hoodlums and miscreants wouldn’t infiltrate,” he said. “We also received intelligence that some people carrying dangerous weapons were among the protesters.”
According to Olohundare, the situation escalated when unidentified individuals joined the protest and blocked traffic along Awolowo Way, Ikeja.
“Unknown groups surfaced, joined the protesters, and started chanting war songs, moving to the House of Assembly and blocking the entire Awolowo Way,” he said.
He noted that the blockage caused serious inconvenience and posed risks to the public. “People were trapped in traffic, and those with medical conditions fainted in their cars and were rushed for medical attention,” Olohundare added.
While affirming the right to protest, he stressed that the police remain committed to protecting peaceful demonstrations.
“Protest is good. It is freedom of expression and an essential part of democracy,” he said. “For every protest in Lagos, we have police to ensure it is peaceful. So no gun was fired.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and maintain security around protest areas.
Elijah Adeyemi
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