By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police Command in Lagos has dismissed reports alleging that members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos Council were tear-gassed during their peaceful protest in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Tuesday, described the claims as false and misleading.

Adebisi also stated that a photograph circulating online and purportedly showing pensioners being tear-gassed was artificially generated and did not reflect events at the protest venue.

She said that at about 8.30 a.m. on Monday, approximately 500 members of NUP, Lagos State Council, staged a peaceful protest at the Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja.

The spokesperson said that the protesters were led by NUP Chairman, Mr Michael Omishade, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairperson in Lagos, Mrs Agnes Sessi.

Adebisi said that the police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force and divisional headquarters within the area were deployed to maintain law and order.

According to her, the security operatives are to ensure the safety of the protesters and other members of the public.

“The security operation was coordinated and led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations.

“The protesters were addressed by the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, after which NUP executives proceeded to an indoor meeting at the Governor’s Conference Hall.

“The meeting lasted approximately three hours, after which the protesters dispersed peacefully at about 4.30 p.m., with no adverse incident recorded,” she said.

The PPRO said that the command was concerned about the circulation of a photograph purportedly depicting the alleged tear-gassing of retirees.

Adebisi insisted that the image was AI-generated and did not represent what transpired during the protest.

She urged members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from creating, sharing or amplifying unverified information capable of misleading the public, inciting unnecessary tension or undermining public confidence.

Adebisi reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression, while ensuring that such activities remained peaceful, orderly and within the ambit of the law.

According to her, residents should rely on verified information from credible and authorised sources and desist from creating or circulating misinformation, manipulated images and unverified posts.

The image maker reaffirmed the command’s commitment to policing with humility and integrity, while ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to Lagos. (NAN)