A peaceful protest in Lagos, Nigeria, turned violent on Wednesday when police fired gunshots and used teargas on demonstrators and journalists, leaving several people injured. The protesters, who were demanding an end to forced evictions and demolitions, had gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa.
The protest, organized by the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement, began at 7 a.m. at Ikeja Underbridge, with residents marching towards the State Assembly, carrying placards that read “Save Our Souls” and “Stop the Killings, Stop Demolition of Our Homes.” The demonstrators were met with aggression by police officers, who allegedly targeted journalists, including a PREMIUM TIMES reporter who was pushed into teargas and shot at close range.
Eyewitnesses reported that two female lawmakers had instructed the Lagos State Police Commissioner to disperse the protesters and journalists. The police action has been widely condemned, with human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticizing the Lagos State Government for allegedly ignoring court orders protecting residents’ homes. Falana cited a 2017 Lagos State High Court ruling that declared previous government-ordered evictions unlawful and awarded affected families damages.
The Lagos State Government has defended the demolitions, saying they are necessary to protect lives, public infrastructure, and the environment. However, civil society organizations and community groups have condemned the demolitions as anti-poor, noting that they were carried out without adequate consultation, compensation, or resettlement for affected residents. The incident has highlighted the ongoing struggle between the government and residents over land rights and urban development in Lagos.
The protest was sparked by the planned demolition of homes and businesses in several communities, including Owode Onirin spare parts market and Ajegunle. Organizers allege that the demolitions are part of a broader plan by the state government and private interests to acquire land for hotels and luxury residential developments. The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by security agencies and the need for the government to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and assembly.
