Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has condoled with victims of shootings which occurred in Lekki, Lagos.
The Vice President also expressed grief over loss lives in Lagos and other parts of the country as a result of the #ENDSARS protests.
#EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate were attacked with guns on Oct. 20.
Osinbajo, in a series of tweets said he had reached out to those in hospital and prayed that such would not happen again.
“My heart goes out to all the victims of the Lekki shootings, also the policemen and all other men and women who lost their lives in the past few days in different parts of Lagos and other states.
`I spoke to some of that in hospital; the pain of these terrible events is palpable in our towns and cities, and some losses are irreplaceable, but we can and will get justice for all of them.
“ I stand with Lagos and all other affected states in these trying times.
“We pray we will never see a repeat of these tragedies in Jesus name. God bless you all,’’ he said.
Janet Jackson has lend her voice to the #EndSARS campaign.
In a statement, she released to her Twitter account, the American singer praised brave Nigerian youths for their courageous fight for a better Nigeria and said those behind the killings and brutality of EndSARS protesters have brought shame to the nation.
The girlfriend of a young man who got shot after tweeting about the situation of Nigeria has expressed her grievance after losing the love of her life.
The young man simply identified as Oke, had earlier wrote on Twitter, ”Nigeria cannot end me,” before meeting his unfortunate end through a bullet wound.
The news of Oke’s death met Dede, his girlfriend by shock while going through social media.
In a series of tweets, the griefing young lady wrote at length how irreparable the damages done to her life is after losing her lover.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 21st October 2020 visited some of the areas that were affected by the disturbances that trailed the ENDSARS protests in Jos North and Jos South Local Government areas of Plateau which led to the imposition of curfew in the two Local Governments. The Governor accompanied by Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof.
Danladi Atu and heads of security agencies in the State, took a tour of Ahmadu Bello Way, Terminus and Bukuru where he was briefed by the Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka. He was told that some cars belonging to customers were burn at the Ahmadu Bello Way while attempts to loot shops were thwarted and some arrests were made.
The Governor also went round some of the businesses that were partially torched and places of worship that were vandalized along the terminus area. At Jos South Local Government, the Governor visited some places of worship that were burnt and looted at Gyero road and Kugiya market.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, the Governor said he was disappointed that some persons were cashing in on the ENDSARS protests to implement their hidden agenda of destabilizing Plateau State at all costs. That he said will not be allowed to happen under his watch.
On compliance to the 24 hour curfew, the Governor said he was satisfied with the level of compliance but will only announce further measures after an analysis of the current situation by security agencies. He advised citizens to guard their safety and peace judiciously and also cooperate with the government in fishing out criminals whether they are associated with the protests or not.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, has called on its members in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to remain vigilant following reports of violence in some parts of the territory over the #EndSARS protests.
Chairman of Council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, in a statement on Wednesday said it has become urgent for journalists to take their safety seriously as few colleagues have narrowly escaped lynching by suspected hoodlums. “We call on all our members and media practitioners in general in the FCT to take their safety seriously. We have received reports of the near lynching of some journalists but relieved that none was hurt,” the statement said. According to Ogbeche, journalists should have special numbers of other colleagues and security agencies on speed dial when covering protests and rallies. He also urged them to wear reflective jackets identifying them as journalists as well as have their ID cards on them. He advised extreme caution when on live broadcast in tensed areas, stressing that “we must stay alive to report.” The NUJ FCT Council chairman called on security agencies especially the police to guarantee the safety of journalists at this difficult moment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has apologized for every ”action and inaction” that took place at the Lekki tollgate on Tuesday night, October 20.
Gunshots were fired at the End SARS protesters who gathered at the Lekki tollgate last night.
The governor on Wednesday afternoon, October 21, took to his Instagram page to apologize for the incident. His post reads
”Yesterday’s events were no doubt some of the darkest gradients of our history as a State and as a people. As you are aware, I have been engaging the #EndSARS protesters since the protests started.
There are no excuses for the unfortunate incident that took place last night, and as the Governor, I apologize for every action and inaction.
I would like you to know that I am for you, I am with you, and I understand that indeed you’re not happy with the turn of events last night. I want to once again, and passionately from the depth of my heart appeal to our teeming youths, to our protesters that you should please give peace a chance. There have been several reported cases of arson, and of destruction of properties this morning.
We want to plead with parents, we want to appeal to guardians, I want to appeal to our citizens, especially our youths. I feel the pain, and I want to say once again that as your Governor, I will continue to ensure that every life does matter.”
The killing of young and peaceful #ENDSARS protesters by the army at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos has been described as brutal and despicable by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room. The Situation room while calling on the National Assembly leadership to immediately summon the President, Muhammad Buhari ,the chief of army staff and the Inspector General of Police to a public hearing in a public and open hearing of the National Assembly to explain the circumstance that led to the brutal massacre of peaceful protesters in Lagos. They said it was also concerned that armed thugs have been mobilized, to attack innocent protesters across the country,, carrying out bizarre acts of violence against peaceful protesters, citizens and properties without the police or any security intervening to halt this slide into anarchy. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Convener Clement Nwankwo who addressed the media on Wednesday said it was unfortunate that the killing of peaceful protesters by armed security officials came barely 48hours of what was it termed “Operation Crocodile Smile” came , thus opening questions about the connection about the connection between the military operation and the evil pre-meditated attack on innocent, ,peaceful protesters. He said the Situation Room also called on the National Assembly public hearing to determine responsibility for the killing of innocent protesters and pursue commensurate action to bring perpetratorsÜ to justice, including their prosecution, “Government institutions and individuals fanning and instigating armed thugs to attack innocent protesters should be held accountable ,” he said. They also called on the international community to take urgent action to bring the international action and response to the brutality of security forces against innocent and peaceful prote
The United Kingdom Parliament has confirmed it will consider a petition seeking to sanction the federal government for human rights abuses over the End SARS protests.
The petition which is on the UK government and parliament website, accused the Nigerian government and police of violating the rights of those protesting against police brutality and extortion.
It asked the UK to implement sanctions that would “provide accountability for and be a deterrent to anyone involved in violations of human rights”.
As of Wednesday morning, the petition has garnered over 150,000 signatures, less than 24 hours after it was created.
The government-owned website stated: “Parliament will consider this for a debate … waiting for less than a day for a debate date.”
It added that parliament considers all petitions that get more than 100,000 signatures for a debate.
Burna Boy has disclosed that he is currently working to ensure that all Nigerian officials are sanctioned over the killing of unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate last night.
The singer who is in London presently, called on citizens of other countries to also work towards implementing sanctions against the Nigerian government. Burna wrote on Twitter;
Tinubu. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did this
Implement sanctions against the Nigerian Government and officials – Petitions! We Need 100k signatures from UK Citizens for this to be tabled by parliament. Please Help is make our Killers pay.
May the heavens open and celebrate all Martyrs and Fallen Heroes who Died today and all who have died for this Movement from the beginning . You are our Heroes and we will not let your death be in vain
I am in London and Im doing my best to make sure sanctions are imposed against Nigerian Government Officials. I need all citizens of all European countries ,America , Asia EVERYWHERE to please Do the Same. THEY MUST ALL PAY!!
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had denied ordering the killing of #EndSARS protesters as he visited some victims of Lekki toll gate shooting.
Sharing photos from his visit to the hospitals where some victims of the shootings are being treated, the Lagos state Governor described it as “toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make notes in our history”.
He insisted that the decision to impose curfew was borne out of concern for innocent protesters and the entire citizenry, as it will be foolhardy for a leader to try to protect his citizens and still turn around to put their lives at risk.
Sanwo-Olu who disclosed that this is not time to trade blames, further disclosed that there are 10 patients at the General Hospital in Lagos Island, 11 at Reddington hospital and 4 at Vedic hospital with mild to moderate levels of injuries. He further revealed that while 2 are receiving intensive medical care, 3 patients have been discharged. He also promised to take care of the medical bills of victims of the shootings.
He wrote;
This may be the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make notes in our history, but we will face it. As a Father and Governor, I watched in anguish the unacceptable event that occurred last night at the Lekki tollgate.
The decision to impose curfew was borne out of concern for innocent protesters and the entire citizenry of our dear state. It will be foolhardy for a leader to try to protect his citizens and still turn around to put their lives at risk.
However, this is not the time to trade blames. We will take it in our stride and move.
I paid a visit to all the victims of the unfortunate shooting incident at the various hospitals where they are being urgently attended to.
There are currently 10 patients at the General Hospital in Lagos Island, 11 at Reddington hospital and 4 at Vedic hospital with mild to moderate levels of injuries, while 2 are receiving intensive medical care. And 3 patients have been discharged. I implored the attending doctors to give them the best care, while we cover all their medical bills.
We are working with the Federal Govt to harmonize and stabilize all security operations while prioritizing the lives of the residents we swore to protect and serve.
I would also be giving a statewide address in a few hours.
We will come out stronger.
Also engaging some Nigerians in the comment section of the Instagram post, Sanwo-Olu denied ordering the shooting.
