The Lagos State Police Command has firmly denied allegations that its officers attacked residents during the recent demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, describing the reports as false, misleading, and intended to incite public misunderstanding.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command maintained that its personnel conducted themselves lawfully and professionally throughout the operation.
“The reports alleging police attacks are entirely false and mischievously published to mislead the public,” the statement read. The Command clarified that the demolition exercise was carried out by the Lagos State Department of Urban Development and Planning in collaboration with the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, not by the police.
According to the statement, the demolition followed several months of official notifications to both legal and illegal occupants of the affected properties. It also noted that compensation had already been paid to those whose structures were affected before the exercise began.
“The constitutional duty of the Police is the protection of life and property, including the safety of public officials at every level of government while they carry out lawful official duties,” the Command explained. “For the avoidance of doubt, the demolition activity in Oworonshoki was conducted in line with legal procedures and due process, following months of official notices and compensation to affected occupants.”
The Command further emphasized that police officers were only present to maintain peace and order during the state government’s urban renewal operation.
“The presence of Police personnel during the demolition exercise was purely to prevent any breakdown of law and order. At no time did officers of the Command engage in any act of violence, harassment, or collaboration with hoodlums, as falsely reported,” the statement continued.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Command stressed that all officers deployed were under strict instructions to act with restraint and respect for human rights.
“Their presence was solely to provide security coverage and ensure the exercise was conducted peacefully,” the police spokesperson added.
The Lagos Police Command urged the public to disregard the misleading reports and rely on verified information from official channels, assuring that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting all residents of the state.
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