Nigerian Army Denies Lekki Shooting, Admits It Was Invited By Lagos State Government

The Nigerian Army has denied the shooting of civilian protesters who were massacred at the Lekki Toll Plaza on Tuesday, October 20.

According to a statement issued by Acting Deputy Director Public Relations of 81 Division, Major Osona Olaniyi, He 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 were involved.”

“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.”

“All the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for internal security operations.”

It however revealed that … “the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24-hour curfew was imposed.”

In its statement concerning the invitation by the Lagos State Government, it said:

“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.”

In addition, The Army reiterated that it did not shoot at any civilian. “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.” Follow us on Instagram @sofovilla | Follow us on Twitter @sofovilla | Like our page on Facebook via @sofovillamedia