The Lagos State Police Command has officially confirmed the deployment of tear gas at Lekki Phase 1 on September 21 in order to disperse a crowd at the toll gate. This confirmation came via an announcement on the official page of the Lagos State Police Command, signed by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Command Public Relations Officer.
To provide context, the incident in question involved the alleged use of tear gas by the Lagos State Police in the Lekki area, resulting in injuries to some individuals. The police statement addresses the situation, clarifying key points.
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The police had initially agreed with the organizers of a candlelight procession that it would conclude by 8 pm at Muri Okunola, Victoria Island, with the Lekki Toll Gate designated as a no-go area due to traffic concerns on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
However, after the procession ended at Muri Okunola Park as planned, some individuals gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate with different intentions, contrary to the agreement. The police and organizers made efforts to persuade them to disperse peacefully, and social media messages were also used to convey that it was not a protest but a concluded procession.
Despite these efforts, the crowd did not disperse, and the situation escalated with the blockage of lanes in and out of Lekki, leading to a traffic buildup. In response, the police used tear gas, emphasizing that no live rounds were fired, and they employed crowd management techniques. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and there were no injuries.
The Commissioner of Police issued a warning against those disturbing the peace of the state and assured that they would be arrested and prosecuted. The police also appreciated the procession organizers and vowed to prioritize safety and security.
The statement mentioned an ongoing investigation into the death of Mr. Ilerioluwa Aloba (MohBad), for whom the candlelight vigil was held. His body has been exhumed, and an autopsy conducted, with the public awaiting the results. The police committed to working closely with support groups for #justiceforMohbad and providing updates on the investigation.
In summary, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the use of tear gas at Lekki Toll Gate on September 21 due to an unruly crowd, emphasizing the efforts made to disperse the crowd peacefully before resorting to tear gas. They also addressed the ongoing investigation into Mr. Aloba’s death and the importance of maintaining peace and order in the state.
