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Police Use Tear Gas on Pensioners Protesting in Lagos
Pensioners in Lagos faced police action with tear gas during a protest over unpaid benefits at the Lagos House.

On Monday, pensioners gathered at the Lagos House in Ikeja to protest against unpaid pension increases, wage awards, and other outstanding benefits. The demonstration was organized by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
As the protest unfolded, police officers reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. This action led to heightened tension at the scene, drawing attention to the ongoing dispute regarding pension adjustments and entitlements for retirees.
The use of tear gas has been met with criticism, as the pensioners questioned the appropriateness of this method of crowd control against senior citizens advocating for their rights. Reports indicate that the protest was significant in its scale and aimed to highlight the grievances of pensioners regarding delayed payments.

Prominent figures, including activists Femi Falana and Omoyele Sowore, have condemned the police's actions, stating that it is unacceptable for senior citizens to be treated in such a manner. They emphasized the need for the government to address the grievances of pensioners and fulfill its obligations regarding their entitlements.
The protest also extended to the Lagos State House of Assembly, where pensioners sought to voice their concerns more directly to lawmakers. This indicates a broader discontent among the retired workforce regarding pension management in the state.
The situation remains fluid as pensioners continue to advocate for their rights while police actions add complexity to the protest, raising questions about the treatment of demonstrators, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly.