By Emeka Alex Duru
Peaceful agitation across the country by youths under #ENDSARS#, took an extreme dimension in Lagos on Tuesday evening when soldiers of the Nigerian Army opened fire at the unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate end of the state. Casualty rate was still uncertain at press time, with staggering reports putting the number of people felled at between seven and ten. There were however, reports of many injured in the ensuing melee.
Signs of the uncertain tide of events began to unfold when reports, earlier in the day, indicated that Police facilities in Ajegunle, Orile Iganmu, Cele and Ilasa, were torched by hoodlums who took advantage of the otherwise peaceful protests to unleash mayhem on the residents. In reaction, Lagos State government imposed a 24-hour curfew, commencing from 4.00 pm. The curfew time frame was later extended to 9.00 pm.
Youths at the Lekki Toll Gate were still at the protest ground when soldiers swooped on them, firing live bullets. Nigerians have risen in condemnation of the deployment of soldiers against the protesters, describing the action as undemocratic. Victor Anya, a public affairs commentator, in condemning the action, wrote, “It is only in Nigeria that security operatives use live bullets to disperse protesters instead of rubber bullets or hot water”.
In similar tone of disgust, celebrated journalist, Angela Agoawike, stated, “The sounds of guns in Lagos…Nigeria, please stop killing your young ones. Send soldiers to Sambisa forest to confront Boko Haram. Your young ones are asking only for an #ENDSARS, EndPoliceBrutality,#EndCorruption”
Bukoladeremi Ladigbolu, also a journalist, wrote on her Facebook social media page, “As a mother, I am pained. Lekki shootings, height of callousness and irresponsibility! Stop defending the indefensible”.
Pan Niger Delta group, PANDEF, lent voice in thumbing down the deployment of soldiers against unarmed protesters, insisting that it was uncalled for.