The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating online that purportedly depicts incidents of police brutality and harassment of residents during the demolition of illegal structures at Oworonshoki, Lagos.
In a statement issued by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos State Taskforce, the Agency described the video as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and malign government officials lawfully carrying out their duties.
According to the statement, contrary to the narrative portrayed in the footage, the illegal occupants and squatters, along with their suspected criminal collaborators, were the aggressors.
“They mobilised street urchins, area boys, and other disgruntled elements who launched attacks on State officials and Taskforce officers using stones, sand mixed with petroleum products, broken bottles, and other dangerous weapons,” the Agency said.
The violence reportedly erupted when the squatters attempted to obstruct officials of the Lagos State Planning and Urban Renewal Agency, who were on site to enforce a lawful demolition exercise after several quit notices had been duly served through multiple channels.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the viral video as a “deliberate attempt to distort facts.”
“From the viral footage, it is evident that the illegal occupants and squatters from the area were throwing bottles and other dangerous objects at armed police officers who were on ground to maintain law and order,” Akerele stated.
He stressed that attacking or obstructing government officials performing lawful duties constitutes a serious offence under the law, adding that the Taskforce will continue to ensure strict compliance, safeguard lives and property, and maintain public order during enforcement operations in line with government directives.
Akerele further admonished youths not to allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit government activities for personal or political gain.
He urged them to be of good conduct and serve as responsible ambassadors of their communities.The Taskforce reiterated that any member of the public who feels aggrieved by the conduct of its officers should present credible evidence to substantiate such claims, assuring that where wrongdoing is established, appropriate disciplinary measures would be applied in line with service regulations.
Gbadeyan therefore urged the public to disregard the false narratives intended to mislead and incite unnecessary sentiment, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to its mandate of maintaining law and order across the State.
“The Lagos State Taskforce remains resolute in its mission to rid the State of lawlessness and criminality while maintaining professionalism, civility, and adherence to international best practices,” Gbadeyan added.
