*Say Operatives Applied Minimum Force To Disperse Crowd
POLICE operatives deployed to the venue of the protest against demolitions in parts of Lagos State fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had gathered at the House of Assembly complex in Alausa, on Wednesday, January 28.
The tear gas caused panic in the area, forcing protesters, who were demanding an end to forced evictions and demolition of homes in communities across the state, as well as residents, traders and commuters to flee in different directions to avoid being affected.
The situation disrupted movement around the complex, as people scampered for safety, even as the protesters temporarily dispersed, while the operatives remained at the scene.
However, the state Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi (SP), said the Police only intervened to restored law and order.
Adebisi, in a statemment, explained that a group of violent protesters, who converged at the Ikeja Under Bridge earlier, blocked the entire Awolowo Road for several hours down to Alausa, carrying a coffin and instigating violence and public disturbance in the affected areas.
“The unlawful blockage of the Awolowo Way down to the House of Assembly Road prevented people who have medical needs from getting to the hospital. People who are to travel out of the country, transiting through Awolowo Way to the airport, were also prevented from proceeding on their journey.
“The Police detachment, in ensuring law and order, exercised restraint in the face of violent confrontation by this group.
“The Police concern is for law and order to prevail, to ensure public safety and protection of lives and property of millions of other Lagosians that go about their lawful duties and other responsibilities peacefully.
“The protesters violently and vehemently denied other Nigerians free passage throughout the affected areas. Reports of sick people fainting in their cars were recorded, trauma and panic were created in the whole of Alausa and Ikeja area, causing people to scamper for safety as a result of the pandemonium and chaos created deliberately by these violent protesters. Their protest then became a danger to the safety of lives and property of other Nigerians.
“On arrival at the House of Assembly, the Police detachment prevented the violent protesters from breaking down the defence of the gate of the Assembly and stopped them from surging into the premises in their large numbers, to attack the Assembly and cause mayhem.
“Five honourable members of the Assembly came out to address the protesters and offered dialogue, promising them that their agitations and grievances would be taken back to the management of the Assembly and appropriate quarters for consideration, encouraging them to be peaceful and law-abiding.
“The appeal by the honourable members fell on deaf ears. The violent protesters instead barricaded the public highway passing through the Assembly to other parts of Alausa.
“The arrowhead, one Taiwo Hassan nicknamed ‘Soweto,’ ordered the protesters to sit on the public highway, in front of the Assembly, preventing all road users access to their destinations.”
According to the statement: “At this point, the detachment of the Police had no other option than to use minimum force to disperse them with the use of teargas and subsequently opened the road for the benefit of the public, and normalcy was promptly restored. No death or injury to the protesters was recorded because of the use of minimum force.
“As a result of these unlawful acts by the violent protesters, Taiwo Hassan, ‘m,’ adult, and Dele Frank, ‘m,’ adult, were subsequently arrested at the scene of the protest by the Police for conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of the peace; threatening violence and instigating disorder; inciting the public to cause breakdown of law and order; and obstruction of traffic flow and unlawfully restraining road users from access contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
“They are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court within the time limit provided by the law.
“A white Toyota Canta vehicle, with reg. number Lagos LND 968 YL, with multiple loud speakers and two (2) generator sets, mounted on it, used to block the highway was intercepted and recovered as exhibit.
“A coffin also carried by the protesters to cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public and to also cause disturbance of public peace was equally recovered.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to set the records straight that all the actions taken were done in accordance with the law and in protection of public safety and public order.
“The right to protest and freedom of expression is one of the essentials of democracy for the benefit of all Nigerians, but should be done in a peaceful manner without causing undue hardship on the general public and other innocent Lagosians, as they go about their daily activities and other lawful responsibilities.
“It is the Command’s wish to state further that nobody would be allowed to take the law into their hands and cause disturbance of public peace, public safety or any act that can jeopardise the protection of lives and property of all citizens in the state.
“Investigation is currently ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, into the criminal roles played by the two leaders of the protest, as they will be charged to court on completion of the investigation.”
