By Emma Ogbuehi
In apparent reaction to the gloomy mood of the day, Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared a three-day mourning period in the state, putting all the routine activities of the state on hold and ordering flags to fly at half mast in public buildings. The governor explained that the measures were in solidarity with the #ENDSARS# protesters that were attacked by suspected soldiers of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday. He also appealed for calm.
Sanwo-Olu made the declaration in an early morning televised broadcast, Wednesday. The governor’s appeal came on the heels of continued violence in the state. Early Wednesday, gun shots were reported in Idimu, Igando, Alimosho council and other parts of the state
At the last count, popular television station, Channels, had been shut. Unconfirmed reports indicated that it may have been attacked by hoodlums. Another broadcast station, Television Continental (TVC) allegedly owned by former Lagos governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Bola Tinubu, had been torched. Also reportedly burnt were buses belonging to the State’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and a house said to be owned by the governor’s mother.
Staggering reports trail the Lekki Toll Gate shootings on Tuesday, with casualty rates estimated at between seven and ten. Many were said to have been wounded. Sanwo-Olu however said there were no fatalities. He expressed his sadness at the ugly turn of events, stressing, “I am saddened”.
The continued violence in the state comes amidst the 24-hour curfew imposed by the governor on Tuesday.
