October 20, (THEWILL) – The police on Wednesday fired tear gas canisters at the Lekki tollgate where celebrities and youths held a memorial car procession in Lagos State.
Scores of youths, including celebrities were participating in the parade amid the presence of armed security operatives before they were dispersed.
It was gathered that an unknown armed man reportedly tried to stab protesters shortly before the police raid.
The procession, held in honour of victims of police brutality, was organised to commemorate the one year anniversary of the #EndSARS protests that led to the disbandment of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.
As earlier as 8am, many of the young Nigerians filled up several cars and buses, blaring horns as they drove through the toll plaza.
As the event continued, the number of youths at the venue grew while others came down from their cars, chanting solidarity songs.
A drama also played out as an altercation ensued between members of the press and the security operatives after the journalists were harassed by the police at the venue.
Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu said, the command had assured the organisers of the Memorial that the car procession would be peaceful without police intervention.
He said the Police intervened to ensure that hoodlums were prevented from turning the procession violent.
Explaining the use of tear gas canisters, the State Police boss said, the development was to disperse hoodlums who joined the protest to cause violence.
Earlier, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command arrested two protesters.
One of those arrested claimed to be a journalist while the other was seen carrying a placard.
About 30 police trucks and armed personnel are currently at the tollgate to enforce a ban on protests issued by the police command.
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