The United States’ Government has said the alleged killings of #EndSars protesters by soldiers on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki toll gate could not be verified.
In a report released by the US Department of States on March 30, 2021 entitled, “2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria”, the United States said accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at the end of the year.
TheFact Nigeria recalls that CNN had initially reported that 38 protesters were killed during the incident but the Federal government disputed the claims.
The report said “no organisations or groups were able to verify claims that their members died during the protest”.
The report reads: “On October 20, members of the security forces enforced curfew by firing shots into the air to disperse protesters who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to protest abusive practices by the Nigerian Police Force’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“Accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at year’s end. Amnesty International reported 10 persons died during the event, but the government disputed Amnesty’s report, and no other organisation was able to verify the claim.
“The government reported two deaths connected to the event. One body from the toll gate showed signs of blunt force trauma. A second body from another location in Lagos State had bullet wounds.
“The government acknowledged that soldiers armed with live ammunition were present at the Lekki Toll Gate.”At year’s end the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution continued to hear testimony and investigate the shooting at Lekki Toll Gate.”
