Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the alleged attack on pensioners who were reportedly protesting peacefully at the Lagos State House of Assembly over unpaid retirement entitlements.
In a post on his X account, Sowore described the reported use of tear gas against the senior citizens as “cruel, reckless, and completely unacceptable.”
“I totally condemn the unprovoked attack on pensioners peacefully protesting at the Lagos State House of Assembly earlier today,” Sowore said.
He added that it was unacceptable for pensioners, whom he said had spent years serving the country, to be denied their post-retirement benefits and subsequently subjected to force while demanding payment.
“It is bad enough that these senior citizens are being denied their legitimate post-retirement entitlements after giving years of their lives in service. To then unleash tear gas on them for peacefully demanding what is rightfully theirs is cruel, reckless, and completely unacceptable,” he said.
The post generated a wave of reactions, with several social media users condemning the alleged treatment of the pensioners and raising concerns about the possible health implications of exposure to tear gas.
A user, Nonso (@nonsobox), wrote: “Sad. The rascals without certificates spend 4yrs and get a life’s fortune while well-read professionals who gave 35yrs plus beg for theirs and are tear-gased in the process, not minding their age.”
Another user, Veratti (@javrijavri), questioned why elderly citizens should be subjected to such treatment.
“How do you unleash this mayhem on people above 60 years? Where’s our conscience as humans?” the user wrote, while also questioning whether the Lagos State Government should owe pensioners.
Digitalbimpe (@digitalbimpe) claimed to have witnessed the incident and alleged that some pensioners fainted after being exposed to tear gas.
“I can attest to this that the pensioners were vulnerable to the tear gas; as a result of it, some of them fainted,” the user wrote.
The user added: “I use my voice to join them in this fight, pay the pensioners their money period.”
Other commenters expressed concerns that exposure to tear gas could worsen the health conditions of elderly people.
Pappyjulie (@Supo196) said: “Just imagine… most of them have one health issue or other and still teargassing them which may result in worsening of their health condition.”
Similarly, Godson1 (@emekagodwin86) described the development as “disheartening,” warning that some of the pensioners could be particularly vulnerable because of their age and health conditions.
“Some of them might not survive this tear gas due to health,” the user wrote.
In his post, Sowore called for the identification and prosecution of security officers allegedly responsible for the incident.
“The officers responsible for this brutal attack must be identified, arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” he said.
Sowore further argued that where evidence supports criminal liability, the officers should face serious charges reflecting the consequences of exposing vulnerable senior citizens to potentially harmful chemical fumes.
“Our pensioners deserve their entitlements, dignity, and respect, not brutality!” he declared.
The incident also triggered political reactions, with several commenters blaming the government and calling for changes in Nigeria’s political leadership.
However, some users offered contrasting views. Dada (@dadaomoanike1) alleged that some of the pensioners contributed to the problems they were now protesting, writing:
“Most of those pensioners caused the very problem they are now protesting against. They were all corrupt while they were in service.”
Chioke Tobenna (@Tobenna21s) also took a swipe at Sowore’s political ambition, stating: “All these things you’re doing are nice, but I don’t see you fit to rule Nigeria.”
Others called on Nigerians to use future elections to demand accountability from political leaders.
Ben Solar (@BenSolarRank) wrote: “This present civil servants and all others working for the government will face stiffer conditions if they choose not to do the right things now. Elections are close. Vote right.”
Another commenter, juwls (@SaintJuwl), argued that the treatment of pensioners raised broader questions about the privileges enjoyed by political office holders.
“If Nigerians who have given a good part of their lives can be treated so poorly, no politician deserves any pension or severance package of any kind. This is the height of wickedness,” the user said.
