The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, on Monday defended the recent Oworonshoki demolition exercise carried out by the state government describing the affected areas as illegal structures and hideouts for criminals.
“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians.
“The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago,” he said.
He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use the guise of protest to cause mayhem.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime; we will not permit that, ” he said.
The commissioner assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement.
“We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated,” he said.
