Yesterday, the coalition of #EndSARS advocates and sympathizers accused Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of spreading misleading information concerning the intended mass interment for EndSARS protesters. The group maintains that the state government is not being truthful about the fatalities that took place at the Lekki Toll Gate in October 2020.
The Coalition of #EndSARS Frontliners released a statement demanding the immediate halt of the planned mass interment of 103 bodies.
In their statement, the Coalition of #EndSARS Protesters and Supporters, both local and international, expressed their horror at the planned mass interment of 103 protesters and civilians who were tragically killed in the state-sponsored violence and massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate in October 2020.
They criticized the Lagos State Government’s insensitive and insincere statement regarding the leaked memo that sanctioned the contract for the mass interment. The group accuses the Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State government of trying to distort public perception and evade justice and accountability through misinformation.
Between October 21 and 23, 2020, Sanwo-Olu reportedly contradicted himself thrice about the Lekki Toll Gate incident. His statements ranged from ‘no casualties’ to ‘two confirmed deaths’. The #EndSARS protesters and investigative journalists are convinced that the number of deaths was significantly higher.
The Judicial Panel’s report, which was set up by Mr. Sanwo-Olu, confirmed that there was a massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate. The report identified nine confirmed deaths, with four more missing, presumed dead.
The panel also found the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian military, and the police guilty of the Lekki Toll Gate massacre. They reportedly shot at peaceful protesters on October 20, 2020, and subsequently tried to cover up the crime scene. The group insists that the government must stop its deceitful tactics and face the fact that their actions resulted in the deaths of defenseless Nigerians.
“We demand the Lagos State government suspend the planned mass interment of 103 bodies in TOS Funeral Services immediately. The state government must conduct a DNA mapping of all 103 bodies using a reputable private organization, and pay compensation for the trauma they have inflicted on families over the past three years.
“As #EndSARS protesters worldwide, we will not back down or be discouraged by the government’s failed attempts to discredit our actions. We will continue to peacefully protest until justice is served.”
SOURCE: Vanguard
IMAGE: Media Talk Africa
