Police in Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos used tear gas and fired live rounds into the air on Wednesday to stop protesters from entering the state parliament complex, leaving at least 17 people injured, according to eyewitnesses.
The protest was organised by a coalition campaigning against forced evictions and demolitions, and began early in the morning at Ikeja Underbridge. Demonstrators from informal settlements including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, Baba Ijora and Ajegunle marched to oppose the demolition of their homes by state authorities.
Protesters carried placards calling for an end to demolitions and demanding justice for displaced residents. Organisers said the demonstration was peaceful and accused the authorities of carrying out demolitions without consultation, compensation or resettlement, leaving thousands homeless.
Tensions rose when protesters reached the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, where police blocked the entrance with patrol vehicles. The state police commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, told the crowd they would not be allowed into the complex, citing security concerns and the risk of the protest being hijacked.
Protest leader Hassan Soweto questioned the decision, noting that other groups had previously been granted access to the complex during demonstrations. Three lawmakers later appeared to address the crowd but withdrew after being met with boos and demands to enter the building.
Shortly afterwards, police fired tear gas canisters into the gathering, forcing protesters to scatter. Journalists covering the event said they were also caught in the tear gas despite identifying themselves as media.
Witnesses said officers later fired live ammunition into the air and chased protesters, including women, children and elderly people. Several demonstrators were arrested, while at least 17 people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Lagos has seen a wave of demolitions in recent months, particularly in waterfront and informal communities largely inhabited by low income residents and fishermen. In December, state authorities began demolitions in Makoko, prompting accusations that the government violated agreements limiting the scope of the exercise.
Human rights lawyers and civil society groups have criticised the demolitions, citing court rulings that declare forced evictions illegal. The Lagos State Government, however, has defended the actions as necessary to protect lives, infrastructure and the environment, arguing that buildings near waterways and power lines pose serious safety risks.