Jayne Augoye
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with former U.S. presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton, urging President Buhari to “stop killing young protesters.”
Several protesters died Tuesday night when Nigerian soldiers opened fire on protesters at the Lekki toll gate.
The attack on unarmed protesters, hours after the Lagos State Government imposed a curfew in Lagos, left at least seven people dead, witnesses said. Some sources reported nine deaths. The figures are yet unclear. Several protesters were injured also.
As of press time, scores of injured protesters were receiving treatment at different hospitals in the city, PREMIUM TIMES confirmed.
Emergency personnels and ambulances were initially denied access by Nigerian Army at the Lekki toll plaza Lagos.
Multiple 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.
Reactions
The attack has drawn widespread condemnations, within and outside the country, with former U.S. presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to “stop killing young protesters.”
Some churches have also opened their doors to protesters to pass the night.
Lagos Govt Speaks
The Lagos State Government says it has ordered an investigation into the incident.
This is according to a statement on the Lagos State official handle posted Tuesday night.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew.
Read some reactions below:
KILLING OF #EndSARS PROTESTERS IS UNACCEPTABLE
It is unacceptable to open fire on armless and defenceless citizens. Reports of shooting by soldiers at Lekki Toll Gate is most barbaric and unacceptable. These protesters have been the most orderly, most organized and most peaceful so far.
These are children holding nothing but the flags of their nation. What the security should have done was to go to the zones of violence and wanton destruction and stop the thugs and criminals, not these innocent children.
