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The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos has clarified its involvement in the alleged massacre of protesters at Lekki Toll Gate. It said that the troops were invited by the Lagos State Government to enforce the imposed 24 hours curfew.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday signed by the acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, Maj. Osoba Olaniyi, titled, ‘Press release on alleged massacre of protesters at Lekki toll gate’.
According to the statement, “The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at this point that LASG requested for the military to intervene in order to restore normalcy”. It further stated that “The intervention of the military followed all laid down procedures for internal security operations and all the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement for Internal Security operations.”
However, the Nigerian Army dismissed the allegations of soliders shooting peaceful protesters as circulated on social media.
“This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country. At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian. From the onset of the ENDSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division Nigerian Army Lagos, were involved”, the statement reads.
Olaniyi emphasized that no soldier shot at civilians while discharging their duties, stating that there were “glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.”
Remember that thousands of Nigerians, mostly young people, have marched in Lagos and other cities to demand an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, a police unit accused of extrajudicial killings and abuses. Despite the announcement of the unit’s disbandment, these protesters continue to demonstrate, owing to the general distrust in the government.
A total of 12 persons, according to Amnesty International, were killed by soldiers at Lekki Toll Gate but the Nigerian military had denied its involvement in this alleged massacre.
Ganiu Oloruntade
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