The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that security operatives tear-gassed elderly pensioners during a protest at Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.
The Command, reacting to the claims that attracted criticism from human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, said no tear-gas canisters were deployed during the demonstration, insisting that the protest ended peacefully.
Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, stated that the images and reports suggesting that pensioners were subjected to tear gas were misleading, adding that security personnel were deployed solely to maintain law and order during the protest.
The demonstration was organised by members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) over long-standing grievances concerning unpaid pension adjustments, consequential increases and wage awards.
About 500 pensioners reportedly gathered at the Lagos State Government Secretariat and the House of Assembly complex in Alausa to press their demands.
The protesters were led by the NUP state chairman, Michael Omishade, and the Nigeria Labour Congress chairperson, Agnes Funmi Sesse.
Security personnel drawn from the Rapid Response Squad, Police Task Force, Eko Strike Force and local police divisions were deployed around the area as the pensioners assembled.
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According to the police, the presence of the security personnel was aimed at ensuring that the protest remained orderly and did not disrupt public activities or threaten the safety of participants and other residents.
The development followed an address by the Lagos State Governor’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, after which representatives of the pensioners’ union entered into discussions with government officials.
The meeting, held inside the Governor’s Conference Hall, lasted for about three hours as both sides discussed the retirees’ demands.
The police said the engagement helped to de-escalate the situation, with the pensioners eventually dispersing peacefully later in the afternoon.
The Command therefore urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false or misleading claims concerning the conduct of its personnel during the protest.
It maintained that there was no major incident throughout the demonstration and that no tear gas was used against the elderly protesters.
The Command also reiterated its commitment to protecting the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order across Lagos.