Gbenro Adesina
It was a terrible sight to behold yesterday October 20 2020, as soldiers sporadically shot directly at #ENDSARS protesters who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate.
As a result of violence that occurred earlier in the day, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had imposed a 24 hour curfew on the state to commence at 4pm, The commencement of the curfew was, however, extended to 9pm to give people who were held up on the roads to reach their destinations.
By 6.30 pm, a large number of protesters sat at the Lekki toll gate, not knowing that death was lurking. Around 6.45pm, soldiers invaded the protest venue and opened fire on the harmless protesters, majority of whom were holding the Nigerian flag.
Earlier in the day, some people had come to the toll gate to remove the CCTVs attached to the area, claiming to be government officials and by the time the soldiers arrived, the street lights of the area were switched off, leaving the protesters to run around in the darkness.
As at the time of filling this report, there is no official report on the number of the dead and wounded, but it was gathered that over 50 youth lost their lives at the Lekki toll gate.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who visited victims of the unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki at 3 different hospitals, where they are being treated, said there are 11 of the victims in Reddington, 10 at General Hospital and 4 at Vedic Life Care Hospital. Two of the victims are receiving intensive medical care, while others sustained mild to minor injuries.
He wrote on Twitter: “This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger. I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki. It has taken me this long to make a statement because I have to prioritise the welfare of the victims of this very sad incident.
“There are currently 10 patients at the Gen Hospital, 11 at Reddington and 4 at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while 2 are receiving intensive medical care. 3 patients have been discharged & we will continue to monitor and ensure all patients get the best care.
“As the Governor of our state, I recognise the buck stops at my table and I will work with the FG to get to the root of this unfortunate incident and stabilise all security operations to protect the lives of our residents.
“I will give a state broadcast in the morning”.
DEAR MEDIA HOUSES THE SHOOTING BEGAN BEFORE THE CURFEW CAME INTO EFFECT AT 9PM, THEY WERE NOT IN VIOLATION OF THE CURFEW. #LekkiMassacre #EndSARS https://t.co/RBNrKfz6wu
— This Ken is manic. (@TheBlackHermit) October 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/i/status/1318773463671279616
https://twitter.com/i/status/1318719730803478529
If i die tonight i know i died as a hero #LekkiMassacre #EndSARS #EndSarsNow #EndPoliceBrutality #EndBadGoveranceInNigeria #BuhariResignNow #buhariisamurderer pic.twitter.com/zZH2nhJbWK
— Celebrity bouncer (@agboaino_legend) October 21, 2020
@NigeriaGov led by @MBuhari ordered the @HQNigerianArmy to shoot at unarmed citizens of Nigeria on protest ground at Lekki Toll Gate @followlasg
Unspecified number of unarmed youths has been reported dead and many injured.@UN @_AfricanUnion @amnesty @realDonaldTrump @AJEnglish pic.twitter.com/sI2StxEvMd— Prince Odigwe (@princeodigwe) October 20, 2020
