Civil society organisations have called for an investigation into the alleged tear-gassing of elderly pensioners during a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The groups, led by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights and other civil society organisations, condemned the alleged use of force and demanded accountability for anyone found responsible.
The pensioners reportedly gathered at the Assembly gate on Monday to demand payment of outstanding pensions, gratuities and other entitlements.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, CHSR President, Alex Omotehinse, described the alleged incident as disturbing, particularly because the protesters were senior citizens who had spent decades in public service.
He questioned why elderly retirees demanding their entitlements were allegedly dispersed with tear gas and called for clarification on whether the Lagos State Government authorised the action.
Omotehinse also criticised claims attributed to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police that videos and photographs showing the alleged incident were generated using artificial intelligence. He urged the police to investigate the footage and take action against anyone responsible if it was proven to be fabricated.
Other civil society representatives also condemned the alleged treatment of the pensioners, describing them as peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional right to demand benefits owed to them.
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Funmilayo Ajayi of the Community Women Initiative questioned what she described as unequal treatment of political gatherings and protests by ordinary citizens. She called for answers on who allegedly authorised the use of tear gas.
The groups further urged the Lagos State Government to immediately address the pensioners’ outstanding entitlements.
They also called on the police authorities to investigate the incident and sanction any officer found to have acted improperly, insisting that security agencies should protect peaceful protesters rather than use force against them.
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