Lekki Shootings: Sanwo-Olu to address Lagosians today, Says Forces beyond the state’s control was behind Lekki shootings

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has condemned Tuesday night attack on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate area.

The governor said forces beyond the state’s control were responsible for the gruesome act.

He made this known when he visited the wounded protesters at some Lagos hospitals on Wednesday morning.

Sanwo-Olu vowed to work with the Federal Government to get to the roots of the matter, adding that he will address Lagosians this morning.

He said, “This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger.

“I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki.

“It has taken me this long to make a statement because I have to prioritize the welfare of the victims of this very sad incident.

“There are currently 10 patients at the Gen Hospital, 11 at Reddington and 4 at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while 2 are receiving intensive medical care. 3 patients have been discharged & we will continue to monitor and ensure all patients get the best care.

“As the Governor of our state, I recognize the buck stops at my table and I will work with the FG to get to the root of this unfortunate incident and stabilise all security operations to protect the lives of our residents. I will give a state broadcast in the morning.”

Tragedy struck when security operatives, in a bid to disperse #EndSARS protesters, reportedly opened fire on the teeming youths at the Lekki tollgate around 7pm.

#EndSARS protesters have been demonstrating against police brutality and extrajudicial killings at the Lekki tollgate for about two weeks.

Similar demonstrations have been staged in different parts of the state and the country.

However, hoodlums had hijacked the #EndSARS campaign in some cities, wreaked havoc on citizens and vandalised public assets in Lagos, Benin, Abuja, Jos, Ekiti, Akure, Ibadan, amongst others

At least three police stations, three banks, a hospital and a local government secretariat were torched by hoodlums in Lagos on Tuesday.

The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had imposed a 24-hour curfew to stem the tide of the growing violence.

Some of the protesters, who claimed that the timing was short, refused to vacate the protest ground.

Tuesday night attack has been condemned locally and internationally.