The Lagos State Police Command has denied allegations that its officers fired tear gas to disperse pensioners protesting over unpaid pension arrears at Alausa, Ikeja.
More than 500 members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners took part in the protest, carrying placards and demanding the payment of outstanding pension arrears, including adjustments arising from wage reviews.
However, civil society organisations and union leaders accused the police of using force to break up the demonstration.
The police dismissed the allegation as false, saying viral images purportedly showing a clash between security operatives and the protesters were generated using artificial intelligence.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said no tear gas canister was fired during the protest.
She said the pensioners were adequately protected by security operatives throughout the rally, stressing that the police remained committed to ensuring the safety of the protesters.
According to her, the pensioners also met with the Lagos State Governor’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, before they peacefully dispersed at about 4:30pm.
The Command urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading information circulating on social media regarding the protest.
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