Groups call for probe into alleged tear-gassing of Lagos pensioners
Civil society organisations have criticised the Lagos State Government and police over the alleged tear-gassing of elderly pensioners during a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly. The groups, including the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, are demanding an investigation and accountability for those responsible. Alex Omotehinse, Funmilayo Ajayi, and other activists condemned the reported use of force against retirees seeking their unpaid entitlements. Conflicting statements from government officials and police have fueled calls for clarification and justice.
What happened
- Alex Omotehinse of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights described the alleged tear-gassing as part of a pattern of disrupting peaceful protests in Lagos.
- The pensioners reportedly gathered to demand payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities, but were allegedly met with force.
- Funmilayo Ajayi questioned the different treatment of political rallies and protests, highlighting that the pensioners were peaceful and unarmed.
- The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, claimed that videos of the incident were AI-generated, while other officials denied authorising the use of tear gas.
- Activists called for an immediate investigation, payment of pensioners’ entitlements, and prosecution of any officers found responsible.
