The Lagos State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has given reasons why its personnel fired tear gas at the #EndSARS protesters on Thursday at the Lekki Toll Gate.
While commemorating the second anniversary of the #EndSARS protest which rocked the nation in October 2020, some youths including celebrities like rap artistes, Falz; and popular comedy skit maker, Mr Macaroni, took to the Lekki Toll Gate to have a peaceful walk as a tribute to people who lost their lives during the protest or through police harassment and brutality.
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During the protest, it was gathered that police fired tear gas at the protesters. Speaking on the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer via his official Twitter handle explained in a series of tweets, “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.
“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.
“A stitch in time saves nine. They were already gathering at the toll gate as opposed to doing a peaceful procession. Minimal force was used. No injury or fatality.
“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.”
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