Why We Fired Tear Gas At #EndSARS Memorial Protesters – Police

Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has revealed why its men disrupted the ongoing peaceful match in memory of victims of the EndSARS protest at the Lekki toll gate today.

Naija News reports that the security agents on Thursday morning fired teargas to disperse journalists and protesters at Lekki Tollgate.

A reporter with Arise TV, Oba Adeoye who had joined his colleagues in covering the event was reportedly harassed and manhandled by police operatives today.

Though it was confirmed to Naija News that the journalist is safe and fine.

Notable personalities, the likes of 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, Singer, Folarin Falana (Falz), Debo Adedayo ( Mr. Macaroni), among others were sighted on the protest ground this morning.

Reacting, however, to the interference of the policemen at the Lekki Toll Gate, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, via his Twitter handle, revealed that tear gas was fired after some of the protesters violated law and order and began mounting the toll complex.

The action according to Hundeyin is a threat to the existing law and order in the area.

The Lagos Police mouthpiece, however, for emphasis noted that no baton or any form of physical contact was made with the protesters.

Hundeyin’s tweet reads: “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 take appropriate action.”