Operatives of the Lagos state police command on Wednesday fired teargas at residents protesting ongoing demolitions across several communities in the state.
The protesters had converged on the Lagos state house of assembly complex to express opposition to demolition exercises affecting Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba-Ijora.
Residents accused the state government of carrying out the demolitions without adequate consultation, compensation or resettlement plans.
The protest began at the Ikeja under-bridge before the demonstrators marched to the assembly complex, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for Ago Egun”, “Justice for Owode Onirin Traders”, “Halt the demolitions, it is illegal”, and calls urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene.
On arrival at the assembly gate, police officers barricaded the entrance with patrol vehicles to prevent the protesters from accessing the complex.
However, the demonstrators insisted on being allowed to enter the premises to use the designated protest podium.
Moshood Jimoh, Lagos commissioner of police, who was present at the scene, said the protesters would not be allowed into the complex, citing security concerns and the need to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the demonstration.
In response, Hassan Soweto, an activist, told the police commissioner that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) were previously granted access to the assembly complex during a protest held on December 17, 2025.
After several minutes, three lawmakers from the Lagos house of assembly emerged to address the crowd, but were met with boos as protesters insisted on being granted access to the complex.
Following a heated exchange, the lawmakers withdrew from the scene.
Shortly after their departure, police officers fired teargas canisters at the protesters, dispersing the crowd. Journalists covering the protest were also affected, while some demonstrators were arrested.
