The Nigerian Army has admitted being called to Lekki Tollgate in Lagos on the night of Tuesday October 20, 2020 but it is insisting its soldiers did not shoot at the #EndSARS protesters.
The army had initially denied any form of involvement in the shooting of unarmed, peaceful pritesters, which has sparked national and international outcry.
The army said in a statement on Tuesday, that the allegation of killing of protesters by soldiers was unfounded and accused mischief-makers of being behind the false story.
In a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, Major Osoba Olaniyi, the Division explained that the intervention of the soldiers was on the request of the Lagos State Government.
The soldiers were deployed from the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Olaniyi was vehement in his denial of any culpability of its operatives, reiterating that they never opened fire on the protesters.
The statement reads, “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilians protesters were massacred by soldiers at the Lekki Toll plaza,” Olaniyi said.
“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 was involved.
“However, the decision to call in the Military was taken by the Lagos State Government 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 Lagos State Government requested 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 that the 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 handwork 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.”
