• Orders investigation as death toll hits nine, many others injured
The Lagos State Government has on Tuesday denied involvement in the Lekki Tollgate shooting or deploying soldiers to attack peaceful protesters at Lekki tollgate.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated this in a media release issued on Tuesday, noting that the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered for a full investigation into the massacre.
The statement also claimed that the governor directed security agencies not to arrest anyone despite the 24-hours curfew introduced across the state.
Omotoso hinted that the state could not have ordered extra-judicial killings of peaceful protesters as being rumoured on social media platforms.
While highlighting that the curfew had been introduced to curb incidences of violence by hoodlums who had hijacked the protest and that the intent was not to kill innocent citizens, Omotoso added that the state government had ordered an investigation into the incident and anyone found culpable would be arrested and promptly prosecuted.
The commissioner added, “Governor Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish.”
“The governor advises Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who have hijacked the noble protest of “our gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning our dear State upside down.”
Omotoso vowed: “The Governor will do everything within his power to ensure that the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times.”
