The Nigerian Army has denied its officials were involved in shooting at protesters in Lekki Toll Gate Plaza Tuesday evening.
Security agents in military camouflage had opened fire on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate, in Lagos State #BlackTuesday.
Several news reports stated that streetlights at the protest ground were put off and the CCTV cameras removed few hours before security agents opened fire on unarmed protesters.
The attack on unarmed protesters after the Lagos State Government imposed a curfew in Lagos, left at least seven people dead, according to reports.
The figures could rise with many other protesters injured from the shootings.
Also, some videos captured by citizens show the moment soldiers opened fire on the protesters, and the clips show terrified citizens crouching and screaming as gunshots rented the air.
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But the Nigerian Army in its reaction, however, on all its verified social media accounts described the reports as false while insisting its men were not involved in the #Lekkitollgatemassacre, according to Premium Times NG.
Sagir Musa, the spokesperson of the military outfit, was quoted saying the protest is a civil matter and the army has nothing to do with the attack.
Read #EndSARS: UK parliament to consider petition seeking sanction on Nigerian Govt
According to Premium Times NG, Musa said; “I am not aware,” after he was confronted with the multiple evidence indicating that the shooters were soldiers.
Nigerians home and abroad have condemned the killings of Tuesday night, describing it as an act of wickedness against the unarmed protesters.
Nigerian Senate ex- President Bukola Saraki also condemned the actions of the government, urging the President to call the officers to order.
“I have watched with horror the use of force against the Lekki #EndSARS protesters. My heart bleeds for the country. It is sad and disheartening that this is happening. These are peaceful youth protesting to express legitimate concerns. It is unacceptable for any Government to turn its weapons on its own young people. What has happened in Lekki tonight is nothing but a massacre.”
“This shooting must stop immediately and the security agents that carried out this exercise should be ordered to stop. No life of any Nigerian youth taking part in a peaceful protest deserves to be taken.”
“Killing our defenceless youth is wrong — regardless of the circumstance. Killing our children our youth is also killing our future as a nation. We must take a quick walk back from this. We must do all that is necessary to protect and engage with the youth on all issues. Let the shooting stop and let fruitful dialogue commence,” Mr Saraki’s statement read.
A former U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to end the killings.
Mrs Clinton on Tuesday night wrote on Twitter; “I’m calling on @mbuhari and the @hqnigerianarmy to stop killing young #EndSARS protesters. #StopNigeriaGovernment.”
Read #EndSARS: Shooting of Lekki protesters is a massacre – Saraki
