Controversy: Police Reject Claims Of Gunfire At Anti-Demolition Protest

The Lagos State Police Command has refuted claims that its officers shot at residents who staged a protest over the demolition of their homes in different parts of the state.

The protest occurred on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as residents from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, and Oko Baba marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa to voice their anger over the destruction of their properties.

Speaking on Thursday during a television programme, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, insisted that no officer fired live ammunition during the protest.

He explained that the police only deployed tear gas to manage the crowd after tensions escalated.

The demonstration was organised by affected residents demanding proper relocation arrangements and compensation following the demolition of their homes.

Some protesters also called for justice over allegations that lives were lost during previous demolition exercises in their communities.

After the protest, a photograph of an injured man being assisted to a hospital circulated widely on social media, with many users alleging that he had been shot by the police. Others also claimed that some protesters were arrested.

These reports triggered outrage among activists, human rights organisations, and members of the public.

Olohundare stated that officers were deployed early to maintain order and prevent criminals from hijacking the protest.

According to him, intelligence reports indicated that some individuals carrying dangerous weapons had blended into the crowd.

He said the situation worsened when unidentified groups joined the protest, began chanting hostile songs, and moved toward the House of Assembly, resulting in the complete blockage of Awolowo Way in Ikeja and causing severe traffic congestion.

The police noted that the road obstruction created serious difficulties for motorists and residents, with some people reportedly stranded for hours. Others with medical conditions allegedly fainted in their vehicles and required urgent medical attention.

The commissioner emphasised that the police recognise citizens’ right to protest as part of democratic freedom, but stressed that their responsibility is to ensure protests remain peaceful while safeguarding public safety.

He stated:

“No gun was fired throughout the entire protest. The only minimum force applied was the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd. Officers were deployed early to provide security and prevent hoodlums from taking over.

“We received intelligence that some miscreants, some armed with dangerous weapons, were among them. Unknown groups later joined, chanted war songs, and blocked Awolowo Way leading to the House of Assembly.

“People were trapped in traffic, including those with medical conditions. Some reportedly fainted in their cars and were rushed for medical help.

“Protest is part of freedom of expression and democracy. For every protest in Lagos, the police are there to protect it peacefully. So, no gun was fired.”