Widespread condemnation has trailed a violent confrontation between the Lagos State Police Command and residents protesting the demolition of homes across several coastal and informal settlements. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, saw security forces deploy tear gas and, according to some eyewitness accounts, live rounds to disperse hundreds of demonstrators from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, and Owode-Onirin.

The protest began peacefully at the Ikeja Under Bridge before moving toward the legislative complex, where residents carried placards decrying what they termed “pro-rich” urban development at the expense of the poor. Tension escalated when the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, denied the group entry into the Assembly grounds, leading to a standoff that eventually dissolved into chaos as officers fired canisters into the crowd.

Medical reports and eyewitness testimonies indicate that several individuals sustained injuries, with one PUNCH videographer collapsing from fume inhalation and a nursing mother forced to flee with her infant through thick smoke. Activists present at the scene refuted police claims that the crowd had blocked major highways, asserting instead that the demonstrators were seated and peaceful when the crackdown began.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two protest leaders, Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank, on charges of conspiracy and conduct likely to breach public peace. Police officials justified the use of force as a necessary measure to clear a public highway and protect road users, alleging that the protesters had ignored warnings and acted aggressively toward officers.

In response to the outcry, the Lagos State House of Assembly issued a statement denying allegations that lawmakers had ignored the plight of the residents. The House maintained that a delegation was sent to engage the protesters but claimed the effort was rebuffed by demonstrators who insisted on forceful entry. As rights groups call for an immediate investigation and the release of those detained, the state government continues to defend the demolitions as essential for public safety and urban renewal.