Nigerian police on Wednesday fired live bullets into the air and tear gas to prevent protesters from entering the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, during demonstrations against forced evictions and demolitions in several slum communities. At least 17 people were reportedly injured, with several arrests made.
The protest, organised by the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement, began around 7:00 am at Ikeja Underbridge, drawing residents from communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, and Ajegunle. Demonstrators accused the state government of demolishing homes without consultation, compensation, or resettlement, displacing thousands, while organisers insisted the protest remained peaceful.
Tensions rose when police blocked access to the assembly complex, with Lagos State Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh citing security concerns. Protest leaders challenged the restriction, referencing a December 17, 2025 protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress that had been allowed access. Lawmakers who briefly addressed the crowd later withdrew as tensions mounted, after which police deployed tear gas and chased demonstrators. Journalists covering the protest were also affected.
The incident comes amid ongoing demolitions in Lagos, particularly in waterfront and informal settlements. In December 2025, demolitions began in Makoko, while on January 22, the coalition reported at least 12 deaths and mass displacement linked to demolitions in multiple communities.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana cited court rulings from 2017 and August 2025 prohibiting forced evictions, while the Lagos State Government defended the demolitions as necessary for public safety and environmental protection.