Heavy gunshots at June 12 protest in Lagos

Security operatives have barricaded the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, venue of the June 12 protest in Lagos state.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force fired several shots into the air in a bid to disperse protesters who gathered at the venue on Saturday.

Protesters and journalists present at the Gani Fawehinmi Park ran helter-skelter following the shooting.

About three Hilux vehicles and two armoured tanks were deployed to the venue of the protest.

The Lagos state police command had earlier asked Lagosians to “disregard any sit-at-home order called by certain groups”.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of any planned protest in Lagos State to commemorate the 2021 Democracy Day on Saturday, 12th June, 2021,” the police had said.

“In this regard, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, therefore appeals to members of the public to disregard any sit-at-home order called by certain groups which is being circulated on the social media and go about their lawful businesses, as the police and other security agencies have made necessary arrangements to maintain law and order across the state.”