In an unfortunate incident during the dispersal of protesting commercial drivers in the Mangoro, Ikeja area of Lagos State on Monday, November 13, a woman named Joy sustained injuries inflicted by tear gas fired by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command. According to eyewitness Chinedu, who spoke with PUNCH Online, Joy was an innocent bystander awaiting a commercial bus, as regular bus operations were suspended for the day. Chinedu recounted, “Suddenly, policemen arrived, firing teargas indiscriminately. Unfortunately, the lady was struck on the face, sustaining a deep cut.”

Moyo, another eyewitness, disclosed, “The severity of the cut prompted her immediate transfer to a nearby hospital for treatment, and her family has been notified.” Efforts to obtain a response from the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hudeyin, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls at the time of this report.

PUNCH Online highlighted that the protest by Lagos commercial drivers against the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and Task Force resulted in commuter disruption, with drivers striking to protest alleged extortion. The incident underscores the challenges faced by innocent bystanders during such law enforcement operations.