The Nigerian army have said in a statement released on Tuesday by the Army PRO, Osoba Olaniyi that they were not involved in the #EndSARs protest until the Lagos State government invited them to intervene.
The PRO denied accusations that they opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate and described reports claiming shot at them as fake.
Their reaction comes after Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu told CNN that the Nigeran Army is accountable for the massacre that occurred at the scene.
The statement reads,
“The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilian protesters were massacred by soldiers at Lekki Toll Plaza. This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country.
“At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian. From the onset of the ENDSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division Nigerian Army Lagos were involved.However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24- hour curfew was imposed.
Finally, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army reiterates Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.
“This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army. The general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation as there is no iota of truth therein.”
