Lagos State police officers opened fire and deployed teargas on Wednesday to disperse peaceful protesters and journalists at the State House of Assembly in Alausa, leaving several residents injured.
The demonstration, organized by the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement, began at 7 a.m. at the Ikeja Underbridge. Protesters, including elderly women and children, marched toward the Assembly complex carrying placards with inscriptions such as Save Our Souls and Stop the Killings, Stop Demolition of Our Homes.
The situation escalated at approximately 1:15 p.m. when security forces moved against the crowd and members of the press. Journalists reported being targeted despite identifying themselves. One reporter stated that an officer told him, “We don’t like journalists. Join them now or I’ll shoot you,” before firing at close range.
Witnesses alleged that the order to disperse the crowd followed a discussion between lawmakers and police leadership on the scene. Following the encounter, protest leader Hassan Soweto was reportedly seized by an officer.
Before his detention, Soweto addressed the crowd, clarifying the purpose of the march. “Residents are not opposed to development but condemn demolitions that leave communities homeless,” he said. The coalition argued that the demolitions are a maneuver by the state and private interests to secure land for luxury developments.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, condemned the state’s actions, asserting that the government is ignoring judicial protections. He cited a 2017 High Court ruling and an August 2025 Federal High Court order prohibiting demolitions in various waterfront settlements.
“The state’s actions also contravene a 2024 Supreme Court ruling affirming the Federal Government’s exclusive authority over navigable inland waters,” Falana stated.
In response to the growing criticism, the Lagos State Government maintained that the clearances are a matter of public safety. During a recent forum, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso defended the policy, stating that the law requires buildings to maintain prescribed setbacks. He warned that “accidents involving live power cables or waterways could result in large-scale disasters.”
Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, added that the demolitions are part of a broader urban regeneration plan aimed at enforcing planning standards. However, civil society groups have characterized the moves as anti-poor, noting a lack of adequate consultation, compensation, or resettlement plans for the displaced residents of Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, and other affected areas.
