The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday denied experiences alleging that policemen attacked residents in the course of the demolition train in Oworonshoki, saying officers had been deployed solely to guard authorities officers and keep legislation and order.
In an announcement posted on X, the Police Public Relations Officervin the state, Abimbola Adebisi, mentioned the demolition, carried out by the state authorities businesses chargeable for city growth and planning in collaboration with the Lagos State Activity Drive on Environmental and Particular Offences, adopted due authorized processes.
She acknowledged that official notices had been served to each authorized and unlawful occupants over a number of months, and compensation for affected residents had been accomplished.
“The presence of police personnel in the course of the train was purely to stop any breakdown of legislation and order and to guard public officers whereas finishing up their lawful duties,” the assertion learn.
It added, “At no time did officers have interaction in violence, harassment, or collaborate with hoodlums, as falsely reported.”
The command emphasised that officers had been below strict directions to behave professionally, with restraint, civility, and respect for human rights, guaranteeing the demolitions had been carried out peacefully.
Mrs Adebisi described the social media experiences as “unfounded, baseless, inaccurate, and false.”
She mentioned the command led by Commissioner of Police Olohundare “stays dedicated to upholding the rule of legislation, defending lives and property, and supporting lawful authorities insurance policies that promote security, public order, and concrete growth.”
Residents lament ongoing demolition
Nevertheless, residents of Ojulari and Araba mentioned demolition groups returned late Saturday evening and continued operations into Sunday morning regardless of protests.
Eyewitnesses mentioned two bulldozers had been deployed, whereas about 50 cops fired teargas at residents all through the evening.
“We didn’t sleep in any respect as a result of the demolition individuals and police got here again after we stopped them within the morning. Even till now, Sunday morning, they’re nonetheless demolishing,” mentioned Olarenwaju Segun, a resident.
Earlier Saturday, residents had blocked an try and demolish houses within the Udi Araba space.
“They began demolishing with out marking any constructing,” mentioned Adeyemi Lanre, a group mobiliser. “We rapidly mobilised and blocked them.”
Some residents accused the Oba of Oworonshoki, Babatunde Saliu, of backing the demolitions to reclaim waterfront land for personal growth, a declare he has denied.
READ ALSO: Midnight demolition hits Oworonshoki in Lagos
Baale of Oworonshoki, Olorunwa Luwa, mentioned the operations weren’t government-approved, including,
“If it had been the federal government, they might not come at 12 midnight or 3 a.m. to demolish buildings. Individuals with correct paperwork are shedding their houses,” he mentioned.
Residents reported harm to houses, fences, and partitions, with some youngsters sleeping on rubble.
The Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims rejected a compensation train organised by the Lagos State City Renewal Company (LASURA), calling it “propaganda” and “selective.” Based on the group, solely 79 individuals had been shortlisted out of greater than 10,000 affected residents.
Demolitions in Oworonshoki have been ongoing since 2023, displacing tons of of households. Earlier operations in Araba and Koka had been halted by residents, who’ve complained of insufficient compensation, destruction of property, and poor coordination by authorities.
Earlier this month, tons of of protesters marched on Alausa, accusing the federal government of worsening poverty and homelessness.
The Lagos State Authorities maintains that Oworonshoki is a part of its city renewal plan, and that affected buildings had been unsafe and constituted environmental hazards.
