MURIC Condemns Teargas Attack On Lagos Pensioners, Demands Apology

MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, made the demand in a statement on Tuesday, describing the alleged teargas attack on the pensioners as reckless, unprofessional and lacking civility.

According to him, the pensioners staged the protest at Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, August 31, 2026, to express their grievances over the prolonged delay in the payment of their entitlements, including pension increases, wage awards and other outstanding benefits.

He said the protest was organised by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Akintola said the peaceful protest took an unexpected turn when teargas was allegedly fired at the senior citizens, forcing them to flee the premises.

“We strongly condemn the use of teargas on non-violent protesters, least of all senior citizens, many of whom are frail and vulnerable.

“It was most reckless, unprofessional and lacking in all forms of civility,” he said.

MURIC consequently demanded an “unreserved apology” from the Lagos State Police Command, stressing that retirees who served the state during their active years deserved to be treated with dignity.

“People who have served the state government in their prime with all their strength and intellect deserve to be treated with respect and dignity at retirement,” Akintola said.

The organisation also urged the Lagos State Government to expedite the payment of all outstanding entitlements owed to the pensioners.

“It is the height of wickedness and insensitivity to procrastinate in the matter of giving pensioners their due,” the statement said.