Demolition Exercise Turns Violent: Journalist, Residents Assaulted
By Adamu Aliyu Aliyu/ABUJA//
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. The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for justice and an end to police brutality.
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 welder, who was not present during the demolition, was left to count his losses.
However, the situation took a dire turn when journalist Olayiwola Ibrahim, an editor with Security Monitor News, was assaulted by police officers while trying to cover the story. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, Ibrahim was arrested, tear-gassed, and dragged into a LASBCA bus.
The police officers allegedly told Ibrahim 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 Olo, has been unreachable for comment. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has been called upon to explain why police officers are consistently brutalizing journalists who are carrying out their duties.
The incident has also drawn the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been urged to address the issue of journalist brutality and the mistreatment of residents by the Nigerian Police Force.
As the search for justice continues, residents and journalists remain vigilant, demanding an end to police brutality and intimidation.
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