No Shots, No Retaliation — Lagos Police Commissioner Speaks

Claims that officers of the Nigerian Police shot at residents protesting the demolition of their homes, has been denied by the force, insisting no gun was fired during Wednesday’s demonstration.

Protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin and Oko Baba marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding proper relocation plans, compensation, and justice for residents who reportedly lost their lives during past demolition exercises.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor” and “Justice for Owode-Onirin traders,” the protesters demanded compensation, relocation plans, and justice for past demolitions.

PUNCH Online reports that tensions escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa when demonstrators were denied entry. According to the report, several people, including journalists and a nursing mother, were affected by tear gas fired to disperse the crowd. One protester sustained a leg injury.

A photograph showing an injured protester being assisted to the hospital circulated widely on social media, sparking claims that the individual was shot.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, while reacting to the accusations, told Channels Television on Thursday that no gunshots were fired. He said he was present at the scene and had appealed to the individuals involved to remain calm, but they continued to direct insults at him. According to him, his training as a police officer enabled him to remain composed under the pressure, and he did not respond to the provocation.He further stated that the police handled the situation with a focus on achieving a peaceful resolution.

He also dismissed reports of bullet wounds reportedly sustained by one of the protesters. He said the case was reported to the area commander, who inspected the injury and determined that it was not caused by a bullet. Jimoh said the injury could have occurred while protesters were fleeing from teargas.

Teargas was used to disperse the crowd, and some injuries were reported. He said

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