Posted by Samuel on Thu 29th Jan, 2026 - tori.ng
Recall that on Wednesday that protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, and Oko Baba had staged the demonstration, demanding proper compensation and relocation following the demolition of their properties.
The Lagos State Police Command has denied allegations that its officers opened fire on residents during protests over the demolition of their homes.
The Command insisted that no firearms were used during the demonstration.
Police Commissioner Jimoh Olohundare addressed the issue on Thursday in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, responding to reports that a protester was shot in the leg when the aggrieved residents marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa.
Recall that on Wednesday that protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, and Oko Baba had staged the demonstration, demanding proper compensation and relocation following the demolition of their properties.
Some also called for justice for residents who reportedly lost their lives during previous demolition exercises.
A widely circulated photograph showing an injured protester fueled claims that police had opened fire.
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.”