EndSars panel report submitted on Monday to Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has revealed soldiers deployed to Lekki Tollgate actually shot and killed protesters during the crisis.
The report became public a few hours after it was submitted to the governor at the State House, Alausa by the panel. However, there are concerns in the government circle on how the report found its way to social media barely a few hours after it was submitted considering the oath of secrecy signed by members of the panel.
It’s recalled the state government had set up the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matter Report on the Lekki shooting to investigate the October 20, 2020 incident.
The state and the federal government had denied the soldiers shot at the protester, a claim supported by the military. The military had said live ammunition was not used at the scene of the incident while also claiming soldiers shot into the air to scare away the protesters.
However, in the report sighted by Nigerian Xpress, it disclosed that the Nigerian military and the Nigeria Police shot at and killed innocent Nigerians, then cleaned up evidence and hid their bodies during #EndSARS.
It also revealed 48 victims were identified, 11 confirmed killed, four missing to date while the remaining suffered severe injuries and assault from security operatives who the panel believe did not respect the rule of engagement.
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It recommended that the Federal government should apologise to the youths for brutally assaulting them and infringing on their rights.
It also recommended punishment and sanctions for some identified officers especially those who shunned the panel’s invitation.
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The report also indicted officers of Lekki Concession Company, LCC, as culpable for their refusal to cooperate with the panel to get to the root of the incident, especially not making the CCTV camera available.
The panel also noted that the soldiers deployed to the tollgate actually shot at the protesters in an unprovoked and underserved manner.
It recommended some hospitals on the Island which provided immediate medical relief for the victims for special commendation and awards.
