DEMOLITION EXERCISE TURNS VIOLENT AS LASBCA ASSAULTS JOURNALIST, LAGOS RESIDENTS

By Kayode Adeyemo // A demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on Awosika Street, Lagos, took a violent turn when a journalist and residents were assaulted by police officers attached to the agency.

The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for justice and an end to police brutality and incessant attacks on the innocent Lagosians.

According to eyewitnesses, the demolition exercise, which was carried out without prior notice, resulted in the destruction of a welder’s showroom, with goods worth millions of naira lost.

The eye witness said the mobile police officers attached to the LABSCA also used teargas on them.

The welder, Mr Jubril Akinwande who was not present during the demolition, was left to count his losses.

However, the situation took a dire turn when SECURITY MONITOR reporter journalist Olayiwola Ibrahim was assaulted by the police officers while trying to cover the exercise.

Despite identifying himself as a journalist, our reporter was arrested, tear-gassed, and dragged into a LASBCA bus.

The police officers told the journalist that he needed to be given “orders” before observing his duties as a journalist, despite having already introduced himself.

The incident has been condemned by residents and journalists, who are calling for an end to police brutality and intimidation.

In a similar vein, the Lagos State Government has been criticized for its handling of demolition exercises, with many accusing the government of disregarding the rights of residents and property owners.

As the incident continues to generate outrage, the Lagos State General Manager of LASBCA, Architect Gbolahan Oki was unreachable for comment.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has been called upon to stop officers and men of the force from consistently brutalizing journalists who are carrying out their duties.

The residents also appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issue of journalist brutality and the assault of Nigerians by the Police.