#LekkiMassacre: Army Finally Opens Up, Says They Were At Lekki Toll Gate

#LekkiMassacre: Army Finally Opens Up, Says They Were At Lekki Toll Gate

The Nigerian Army has finally opened up that its men were present at lekki toll gate on Tuesday 20/10/2020 under the order of the state government, but did not open fire on any civilian.

Recall that some #EndSARS protesters were reported dead on Tuesday 20/10/2020 during an army shoot out at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos.

But then, after the Tuesday night massacre, recall that the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said he had no control over the military.

In a statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Osoba Olaniyi, the Army noted that its personnel were present at the Lekki Toll Gate that night but under the ordered by the state government to restore sanity among the protesters.

It also noted that the decision was taken by the state government after a 24hrs curfew was imposed.

Further in the statement, the Army also noted that it didn’t in any way opened fire on the peaceful protesters, adding that reports from media houses quoting otherwise was false.

Take a Good Look At The Army Statement Below:

“The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilian protesters were massacred by soldiers at Lekki Toll Plaza. 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.

“However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24- hour curfew was imposed.

“This was as a result of the violence which led to several police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police custody released and weapons carted away. 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.

“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 (ROE) for Internal Security operations.

“Finally, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army reiterates Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.

“This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army. The general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation as there is no iota of truth therein.”