Tension erupted on Wednesday as operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command fired teargas to disperse hundreds of residents protesting the demolition of communities in Makoko and Iyana-Oworoonsoki.
The peaceful demonstration took place around the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja, where the protesters had gathered to express opposition to the ongoing demolitions. The police action triggered panic, forcing protesters, workers, and passers-by to flee the area for safety.
The demonstrators carried placards and banners with various inscriptions, calling on the government to intervene and halt the demolitions.
Eyewitnesses said several protesters sustained injuries during the police crackdown, though organisers were yet to provide an official figure as of the time of filing this report.
It was observed that RRS operatives, stationed at strategic points, blocked access to the Lagos State House of Assembly at about 1:30 p.m.
“One of the protesters said that policemen at the scene began firing teargas to disperse the crowd, and many people were injured in the process.”
Elijah Adeyemi
