There is a possibility that “hoodlums” wearing military uniforms are responsible for shooting Nigerian protesters campaigning against police brutality in Lagos says the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, adding that it was too soon to tell if soldiers were involved.
Recall that some weeks ago, protesters took to the streets across the country to call for the disbandment of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS). A group the people have come to know for brutalizing and extorting its citizens.
After about 12 days, the demonstrations across the country turned violent on October 20 when witnesses in Lagos said the military opened fire on peaceful protesters in the Lekki district shortly after local authorities imposed a 24-hour curfew, drawing international condemnation.
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Abuja, Malami said investigation is underway to ascertain what truly happened at the Lekki tollgate. He said it was “pre-emptive” to conclude that there had even been shootings, adding that “hoodlums” may have been hired to create a scene.
“You cannot rule out the possibility of perhaps hoodlums that set in to create a scene… could equally partake in the process,” the AGF said.
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, blamed the incident on “forces beyond his control”.
But the acting director, army public relations, Osoba Olaniyi, said the Lagos government invited the army to restore order.
He, however, denied that soldiers shot protesters, describing reports on the attack by the military as fake.
The army also said it will not disclose the identity of its men who were sent to Lekki tollgate on October 20.
The judicial panel set up by the Lagos state government to probe alleged brutality by the disbanded SARS has already commenced sitting.
***The state government has denied giving the order, the federal government has also denied being involved, so who shot at Lekki protesters?
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