Human rights groups and civil society activists have condemned the Lagos State Government and Police Command for the use of tear gas and the arrest of residents protesting demolitions across the state. The protests, involving affected communities such as Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, and Oko Baba, were organized to demand fair compensation, resettlement plans, and justice for families who lost homes during previous demolitions. Protesters displayed placards and marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa to raise their grievances.

The situation escalated when police officers, led by Commissioner Moshood Jimoh, fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who refused to leave the Assembly gate. Several protesters were injured, and journalists covering the event were forced to seek safety. While the police claimed protesters blocked roads, assaulted officers, and endangered road users, activists disputed the account, insisting the protest was peaceful and that tear gas could have been avoided with proper dialogue.

Civil society organisations, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the Take-It-Back Movement, denounced the use of force, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. They urged the authorities to allow peaceful protests and release arrested demonstrators. The police confirmed that two individuals, Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank, were apprehended for allegedly conspiring to breach public peace and obstruct traffic flow, and are under investigation.

The Lagos State House of Assembly also responded, saying lawmakers attempted to engage the protesters, but dialogue was rejected. The Assembly stated that four lawmakers addressed the crowd, but protesters insisted on forceful entry into the complex. Both the government and the police maintain that actions taken were to ensure public safety, while activists argue that the measures were excessive and undermined citizens’ right to peaceful protest.