The Nigeria Police Force has explained why tear gas was fired at protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate during Thursday’s #EndSARSMemorial which marked the second anniversary of the October 2022 protest.
Lagos State Police, Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin has in a tweet, responding to allegations, explained that protesters gathering at the toll gate were opposing the agreed lawful and peaceful procession.
He tweeted, “Peaceful persons were allowed to move around without interference from the police. Some of them that decided to be lawless and start mounting the toll complex, an action threatening the existing law and order in the area, were dispersed with teargas.”
“There was no use of baton, neither was there physical contact. We equally do not have any record of shooting. We would, however, appreciate evidence of gunshots, maybe a video, to enable us to take appropriate action.”
“No protester is in our custody! All apprehended troublemakers were kept only for minutes. They were all released after normalcy was returned to the area. This was done in fulfilment of our mandate of maintaining law and order.”
