Police Fire Tear Gas at Lagos Assembly Protest Over Community Demolitions

Tension flared at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday, January 28, after police operatives fired tear gas to break up a protest by residents affected by ongoing demolition exercises across parts of the state.

The protesters had converged on the assembly complex to register their grievances over the demolition of homes and structures in communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba-Ijora. They accused the state government of carrying out the demolitions without meaningful engagement, adequate compensation, or clear resettlement plans.

What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated when security operatives deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. The action triggered panic as protesters fled the area in different directions.

Eyewitnesses said some individuals sustained injuries in the process as they struggled to escape the choking fumes. As of the time of reporting, there was no official statement from the police or the Lagos State Government on the incident.

Videos circulating online show residents running from the scene amid the confusion, further fueling public debate over the handling of urban renewal and forced evictions in Lagos.

Watch video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUDqHBqjOjN/?igsh=MWEybWFzNDNpbjh4NA==