The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that its officers attacked residents during a government-led demolition exercise in the Oworonshoki area of the state.
The clarification follows reports claiming that gunfire and teargas were allegedly used by over 50 armed policemen to disperse those resisting the demolition in Oworonshoki on Saturday.
It was gathered that reports elicited outrage and debate over legal implications and alleged lack of compassion by the government.
The Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, who made the denial through a statement issued on Sunday, described the reports as “false and mischievous,” saying they were aimed at misrepresenting the facts and misleading the public.
Adebisi explained that the demolition was conducted by authorised Department and Task Force, following due process.
The statement reads in part, “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify and set the record straight on the misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that armed policemen attacked residents during an ongoing demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State Government in conjunction with its Lagos State Task Force, in the Oworonshoki area.
“The reports are in entirety false, mischievously published to misrepresent the facts and mislead the general public on the lawful conduct of Police personnel deployed to maintain peace and order during the government’s urban renewal exercise.”
The state police image-maker added that affected residents had been duly notified months earlier and that compensation had already been paid to legitimate occupants.
“The demolition activity in Oworonshoki is being carried out in accordance with the law and other due processes, after several months of official notices served on both legal and illegal occupants of the affected structures, and payment of compensation to the affected occupants concluded.”
The presence of Police personnel during the demolition, Adebisi said, “was purely to prevent any breakdown of law and order, and at no time did officers of the Command engage in any act of violence, harassment, or collaboration with hoodlums as falsely reported.
“This is clearly telling falsehood to cast aspersions on the top-notch professionalism exhibited by all the Police Officers in the execution of their lawful duties.”
The command urged members of the public to disregard the viral reports and verify information before sharing.
“Police Officers were under strict instructions to act with the highest level of professionalism, strict restraint, but to be polite, civil and with utmost respect for human rights and human dignity.
“Every allegation in the report is unfounded, baseless, inaccurate and false, and should be disregarded by members of the public,” Adebisi added.
She added in the statement that the Lagos Police under Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, remains committed to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law, and supporting lawful government policies that promote peace and development in the state.
