A young Nigerian man who identified himself as Ayoola has shared the terrifying story of how he survived Tuesday night, October 20, attack at the Lekki toll-gate.
Ayoola who said he is a professional swimmer claimed he would have been dead if he wasn’t a good swimmer.
Watch the video below ;
The Lekki toll gate massacre has received international attention as foreigners condemned the sad incident.
#EndSARS is the number one trending top on United States’ Twitter trends while Nigeria follows at number 2.
Following the shootings of peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos, angry mobs have set ablazed popular Television station headquarters, TVC in Lagos.
The TV station is reportedly owned by APC chieftain, Bola Tinubu, which triggered the hoodlums, who stormed the headquarters and set many of their properties on Fire.
There has been speculations that Tinubu gave soldiers the order to shoot the unarmed protesters in Lekki because of the Toll gate shutdown for the last 12 days.
The fire incident has stopped the TV station from airing.
Nigerian Youths have received the report of the fire with utmost delight, as they have opined that it is a form of justice for the lost lives.
See some of the reaction,
@UnclePamilerin wrote, “TVC is on fire and no one cared. The is what happens when you push us to the wall.”
@preshdeyforyou wrote, “TVC said the “soldiers shot in the air to disperse the peaceful protesters.”
RIGHT NOW TVC IS ON FIRE!!!! I can’t imagine what the fire is going through Loudly crying faceFolded hands”
@Dehkunle wrote, “TVC is on fire ,thoughts and prayers are with the fire at this difficult moment”
@Laxix6 wrote, “The same Fire that did it for TVC will do it for AIT and channels TV. Amen??”
Popular Nigerian Singer, Douglas Jack Agu, better known by his stage name Runtown, has hinted that he’s been getting death threats over his active involvement in the #ENDSARS movement.
Runtown was one of the first prominent names to lead the #ENDSARS protest, a just movement against Police Brutality and impunity.
The protest have gone on for weeks now and sadly, it has taken a violent twist that has seen many people lose their lives.
It seems the singer has also been getting death threats as he took to Twitter to write ;
No matter how many death threats you send my way, you can never silence me. Our cause is just!
No matter how many death threats you send my way, you can never silence me. Our cause is just!
Babajide Sanwo Olu has claimed that there was no causality from the attack on peaceful protester by officers of the Nigerian Army, at the Lekki Toll Gate Plaza.
There have been ongoing protests in Nigeria over two weeks with citizens agitating for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, over flagrant disregard of their human right.
However, that took a grief-stricken turn in Lekki, Lagos state on Tuesday night as defenceless protesters were gunned down by soldiers, following an alleged order by the Lagos state government to security forces to crackdown on defaulters of a hastily imposed restriction.
The shooting led to the death of several people as many were also injured.
Security operatives had stormed the scene of the protest after the Lagos Government announced a 24-hour curfew and opened fire, with the intent to kill many people.
As many turned up to social media to share the Live video clips of the tragic incident, many people could be seen with various degrees of injuries. The scale of the damage could not be ascertained.
The Nigerian Army has come out to deny involvement in the attacks, despite LIVE video evidences, and now the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has claimed that there was no fatality recorded.
He made this known during a live broadcast which was aired on Channels TV.
His claims has left many Nigerians in more shock, at they express displeasure at the level of deception by the Nigerian government.
Men of the Nigerian Police Force are reportedly shooting live rounds in various parts of Lagos at the moment.
The following locations are currently under siege by uniformed policemen and men in mufti – Yaba, Mushin, Fagba, etc.
In the viral videos, armed policemen can be seen firing shots at unarmed youths in Adekunle, Yaba. Lagosians have been admonished to stay indoors until this passes.
Watch the video below,
Policemen are shooting live rounds at Adekunle, YABA right now. On Herbert Macaulay. Please stay safe everyone!!
This is following the unfortunate massacre that occured at Lekki Toll gate last night, October 20. In the videos making rounds, uniformed soldiers were firing live rounds directly at unarmed soldiers.
Former Governor of Lagos state and National Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied having a stake in Lekki toll gate and also having a hand in shooting that occurred at the location on Tuesday night.
In an audio recording aired on Channels Television this morning and purported to be the APC chieftain’s voice, he decried the use of live bullets on protesters while also denying being a stakeholder in Lekki toll gate.
He also recalled how he spoke against the incidents occurring in the nation and also advising Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to find a way to handle the #EndSARS crisis properly.
American rapper, Nicki Minaj has joined a growing list of international celebrities who are lending their voice to the #EndSARS protests.
She also prayed for victims of the shooting by security personnel in Lekki toll gate, Lagos state
The new mum taking to her Twitter account, added that the voice of the young protesters is being heard across the globe.
“Standing with & praying for the brave young people of Nigeria who are on the front lines of this senseless violence. Your voice is being heard. ?? #EndSARS,” she wrote.
Standing with & praying for the brave young people of Nigeria who are on the front lines of this senseless violence. Your voice is being heard. ?? #EndSARS
Standing with & praying for the brave young people of Nigeria who are on the front lines of this senseless violence. Your voice is being heard. ?? #EndSARS
Her comments come hours the shootings by security personnel at #EndSARS protesters demonstrating against police brutality at the Lekki area of the state.
The #EndSARS protests rocking the country have continued for almost two weeks with youths calling for a lasting reform of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Nigerian army disclosed it has arrested the soldier who recorded a viral video, begging his colleagues not to shoot at #EndSARS protesters.
The soldier who has now been identified as Lance Corporal Harrison Friday, was reportedly apprehended by the Nigeria army over cyber crime.
In a post shared on its official Twitter handle this morning, October 21st, the Nigerian Army stated that Harrison was involved in “cyber crime” and has been arrested.
The tweet reads,
The hooded soldier has been apprehended.
The hooded soldier hiding behind the mask to commit cybercrimes has been apprehended in the ongoing cyber operations, in support of operation smile VI. Be rest assured criminals have no hiding place.
Recall that, Harrison recently made a video that made rounds on social media, advising his colleagues on the right side to take in the ongoing #EndSARS protests across the country.
The soldier who was fully masked up, told his fellow soldiers to avoid being used by the government as tools of oppression to stop the ongoing protests in Nigeria.
Nigerian singer and cosmetologist, Dencia has taken a swipe at some Nigerian celebrities who are “encouraging youths to go protest and lose their lives“.
The songstress stated that these so called celebrities are tweeting from the comfort of their homes and instead of them to use their influence to better the situation of the country.
She wrote,
Now all the rich folks and celebrities are tweeting from the comfort of their homes while the people die. All the internet curses, why don’t u have ur parents call their friends who have friends who have friends in places?
Fvck anyone who’s encouraging people to go protest and die, y’all really ain’t shit. People are already going thru it, y’all start shit, set them up for failure, y’all were chilling in ur homes on the day shit went left cuz u were all informed it was Going down. It’s Crazy, once the military is deployed, there’s no negotiations , they do that in America, in France etc. STOP FOLLOWING THESE RICH FOLKS AND CRACK HEAD CELEBRITIES WHO WILL RUN & hide when shit goes bad STOP.
The audacity of my friends talking shit on the internet acting like the care from the comfort of their homes FVCK U TOO. All evil piece of shit people
If u can’t be on the forefront fighting, DON’T ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO, NO ONE SHOULD DIE FOR ANYONE OR ANYTHING BUT THEMSELVES
Hoodlums have reportedly set BRT buses stationed at Oyingbo, Lagos state, on fire on Wednesday morning, October 21.
According to an eye-witness who spoke to YabaLeftOnline, policeman who wanted to enforce the curfew in Lagos state, shot into the air and the bullet allegedly hit a young man who was in the area.
This caused an angry mob to retaliate, setting on fire BRT buses in the area.
The victim has since been rushed to a nearby hospital.
Beyoncé Knowles has joined the league who international celebrities who have lent their voices in the ongoing protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
In a recent post on her Instagram page, the RnB singer reveals that herself and her team have been working on partnerships with youth organizations and coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food and shelter.
She wrote,
I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria. There has to be an end to SARS.
We have been working on partnerships with youth organizations to support those protesting for change. We are collaborating with coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food and shelter.
To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we stand with you.
Please visit beyonce.com for a list of organizations to show your support.
Canadian rapper, Tory Lanez has lent his voice to the #EndSARS campaign against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
Speaking during an Instagram live with his fans last night, the rapper spoke about the ongoing unrest in Nigeria and pleaded with his celebrity friends to also help bring awareness.
This comes after Popular American R&B singer, Rihanna, shared her thoughts on the ongoing unrest happening in Nigeria as the citizens face a tensed moment in their fight to end Police Brutality.
According to Rihanna, she can’t bare to see the torture and brutalization that is going on.
The post she shared reads ;
”I can’t bare to see this torture and brutalization that is continuing to affect nations across our planet!
It’s such a betrayal to the citizens, the very people put in place to protect are the ones we are most afraid of being murdered by!
My heart is broken for Nigeria Man!! It is unbearable to watch. I’m so proud of your strength and not letting up on the fight for what’s right! #ENDSARS”
DJ Switch is currently at the Lekki-Epe expressway has said that the shooting by the security agents is still ongoing as she shared a video of a man with a gunshot wound.
In of the videos, Switch was seen giving orders to those around the area to put their heads down as the shots were being fired.
Following the unlawful shooting at Lekki toll-gate, Paul Okoye has declared that there will be no backing down from the ongoing protests.
His reaction is coming in the wake of shootings and killings of some unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State last night by Nigerian soldiers.
Several bullets fired by security operatives hit some persons and scores have been reported dead with many injured.
Paul Okoye has now reacted to the killings, calling on Nigerians to head out to Lekki Toll Gate while emphasizing the government will have to kill everyone.
“No backing down. Everybody should be at the lekki toll gate tomorrow. They have to kill us all,” he wrote.
Everybody should be at the lekki toll gate tomorrow…….. they have to kill us all ??✊???✊? we move
The Nigerian army has strongly debunked claims that it opened fire on #Endsars protester in the Lekki-Ikoyi area of Lagos state.
No fewer than 50 people were allegedly shot at and injured during the peaceful protest in Lekki on Tuesday evening by fully dressed military men.
According to reports, seven people lost their lives as a result of the shooting.
However, in a Twitter post via the military’s official page, the Nigerian Army denied deploying their men to the location or having anything to do with the said shootings.
Footballer, Odion Ighalo has dragged the government of Nigeria after there was an open fire on the End Sars protesters in the Lekki area of Lagos state.
The Striker condemned the shooting of protesters which apparently, led to the death and injury many people on Tuesday evening.
“I am sad and heartbroken; I don’t know where to start from,” the Manchester United striker said in a Twitter video.
He added, “Today, October 20, 2020, you people will be remembered in history as the first government that sent the military to the city to start killing their own citizens.”
“I can’t keep quiet anymore on what is going on back home in Nigeria. I will say Nigerian government, you guys are a shame to the world for killing your own citizens; sending the military to the streets to kill unarmed protesters, it is uncalled for.
“I am ashamed of this government, we are tired of you guys, and we can’t take this anymore.”
Popular Nigerian Singer and African Giant, Burna Boy has reacted to the shooting of peaceful EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate yesterday, October 20.
He tweeted: “These are the most serious times of our Lives. And Some people want to play games with me. May GOD help me and you to not lose focus.
“They removed the cctv cameras, turned off the lights and They are killing people and taking their body’s. The whole Government should step down!! I’m in so much pain.”
“May the heavens open and celebrate all Martyrs and Fallen Heroes who Died today and all who have died for this Movement from the beginning . You are our Heroes and we will not let your death be in vain”
I am in London and Im doing my best to make sure sanctions are imposed against Nigerian Government Officials. I need all citizens of all European countries ,America , Asia EVERYWHERE to please Do the Same. THEY MUST ALL PAY!!
However Nigerians were angry he waited this long before commenting on such an important issue.
See reactions below ;
You are a failure. We tagged you repeatedly and you chose to ignore. Your silence was loud and we heard it. Which middle ground now? After they have opened fire on unarmed civilians? Lol. History will remember you for this.
Did I just waste my time & data on this wrabbish? Olorun Anthony Joshua, whoever you’re fighting next will be as strong as Samson & Achilles, him go burst your eyes & that your mouth you’re using to talk your nonsense. Agbaya
GUY UR PAPA . Na becos shaderoom post am. EWU BRITISH !
@champagne_cruz ;
It took u too damn long to speak up
@thefuture_ng ;
We don’t need your support. Y’all be doing like gods because you’re a celeb. If you want to support come to Nigerian and front the protest after all it’s your fatherland too
@official_samvail ;
Talking about Nigeria like it’s not your country…. Ogbeni Soro soke weyreh…
@gnwalor ;
What support exactly is he talking about ? For two weeks now this protest have gone on, where was your voice of support until they started massacring our innocent youths.
@_tinyanosa ;
You said a lot and at the same time said nothing at all.
@ij_caramel ;
Ekaro oo, we’ve come this far without you, so we’re good without this poetry you’re presenting.
Popular American R&B singer, Rihanna, has shared her thoughts on the ongoing unrest happening in Nigeria as the citizens face a tensed moment in their fight to end Police Brutality.
According to Rihanna, she can’t bare to see the torture and brutalization that is going on.
The post she shared reads ;
”I can’t bare to see this torture and brutalization that is continuing to affect nations across our planet!
It’s such a betrayal to the citizens, the very people put in place to protect are the ones we are most afraid of being murdered by!
My heart is broken for Nigeria Man!! It is unbearable to watch. I’m so proud of your strength and not letting up on the fight for what’s right! #ENDSARS”
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has blamed the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate Tuesday evening by security agents believed to be soldiers on “forces beyond his control.”
The governor, who said Tuesday evening was the toughest night of “our lives,” said the shooting leaves dark notes in the history of the state.
Mr Sanwo-Olu, who posted the statement on Twitter early Wednesday morning, shared pictures of himself visiting those injured in the shooting.
This may be the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make notes in our history, but we will face it.
As a Father and Governor, I watched in anguish the unacceptable event that occurred last night at the Lekki tollgate.
The decision to impose curfew was borne out of concern for innocent protesters and the entire citizenry of our dear state. It will be foolhardy for a leader to try to protect his citizens and still turn around to put their lives at risk.
However, this is not the time to trade blames. We will take it in our stride and move.
I paid a visit to all the victims of the unfortunate shooting incident at the various hospitals where they are being urgently attended to.
There are currently 10 patients at the General Hospital in Lagos Island, 11 at Reddington hospital and 4 at Vedic hospital with mild to moderate levels of injuries, while 2 are receiving intensive medical care. And 3 patients have been discharged.
I implored the attending doctors to give them the best care, while we cover all their medical bills.
We are working with the Federal Govt to harmonize and stabilize all security operations while prioritizing the lives of the residents we swore to protect and serve.
I would also be giving a statewide address in a few hours.
We will come out stronger.
A Nigerian accountant, Obinna Nwosu, has vowed never to enter any parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, if Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is not suspended from the church.
He said this following the shooting of Lekki #EndSARS protesters today October 20. Osinbajo is a pastor of the RCCG.
Obinna wrote: “Until Pastor Yemi Osinbajo is suspended, I am never stepping foot into any Redeem Christian Church of God. He has lost the grace to serve as cover of the life of saints”
Two hoodlums were nabbed by vigilante while trying to break into people’s shops during curfew in Benin City, Edo State.
The incident is reported to have occurred at Adolor area, opposite UBTH on Tuesday afternoon, October 20. It was gathered that members of the community vigilante group spotted the 4-man gang seen trying to burgle some shops in the area.
They caught two of the culprits while the other two managed to escape.
It should be recalled that the state governor on Monday October 19, declared a 24 hour curfew in the ancient city after suspected hoodlums broke into the Benin Correctional Centre and freed some inmates in one of the cells.
UPDATED: Lekki Concession Company denies removing the CCTVs at the tollgate
The Lekki Concession Company has debunked claims it removed the CCTVs at the Lekki-Victoria Island tollgate just before the sad shooting of peaceful protesters on Tuesday, October 20.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat shared a copy of the statement and wrote;
This press release by the Lekki Concession Company should provide some feedback about a lot of stories we have seen on social media about the Lekki toll gate. It is important to understand all the factors at play as we continue to investigate. Perimeter CCTV was not removed.
Read the statement from the company below
Moments before the sporadic shooting of unharmed protesters, by the Nigeria armed forces at the Lekki Toll Gate, a photo of two men removing the security cameras surfaced online.
A Twitter user who shared the photo of the men on the micro-blogging platform shared his concern.
He wrote,
Guys please I don’t know how to verify these men, dem just come the lekki toll gate and cut off the security cameras. Saying they are from the government, hmm.
Twitter users were alarmed by this and warned that a crime was about to be committed that wasn’t meant to be caught on camera.
Not long after the photos were shared, the lights around the Lekki toll gate were put off and gunshots were fired at the End SARS protesters.
Nigeria is going through one of its worst times and its getting really bad.
Reports reaching us this evening confirm that the Lekki-Toll Gate was set on fire, shortly after seven peaceful #ENDSARS protesters died from gunshot wounds sustained when Nigerian Armed forces opened fire.
A video now making the rounds online shows a burning Lekki/Ikoyi Toll Gate and it has given Lagosians cause to worry.
Brave End SARS protesters were captured on camera trying to remove a bullet from the leg of a young man who was shot at the Lekki toll gate earlier this evening.
Quite a number of the EndSARS protesters stood their grounds at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 in spite of the impromptu curfew imposed on residents.
As it gradually became dark, the security cameras at the toll gate were removed by some unidentified men. Not long after, the source of light at the toll gate was put off and then gun shots rang out, hitting some protesters.
As at the time of filing this report, about 7 people are reported to have died with a number of people are injured.
Nigerian rapper, Falz, has reacted to the sad killings that happened moments ago at Lekki Toll Gate.
According to reports making the rounds on social media, Military men opened fire on peaceful protesters and it caused mayhem at what was previously a peaceful gathering.
Falz, in a live video said ;
The military is shooting at its own people, this is a war and we are fighting against
ourselves.
This is the worst thing i’ve seen, I don’t really know how to explain it, in all my life
This country has always been f**Cked up but this is the worst.
At the time of writing this report, seven persons have been reported dead.
Nollywood Actress, Ufuoma McDermott has reacted to the unfortunate incident that played out at Lekki Toll Gate where soldiers reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters.
According to reports, 7 persons have died as a result of the shooting.
Sharing a video of herself crying profusely , the thespian wrote ;
I can hear gunshots from my house!!! Tag everyone who should know this. I’m told they are shooting in the air. We begged you @jidesanwoolu we begged you. This is on you !!!!
Lagos State Governor. Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that imposing the 24-hour curfew on the state following the increasing spate of violent attacks by hoodlums, was a difficult decision to make.
In a post shared on his social media page on Tuesday evening, October 20, Sanwo-Olu said was very impressed with the #EndSARS protests when it started initially but he is now saddened by the fact that hoodlums have hijacked the protest and seized it as an opportunity to carry out wanton destruction.
See his post below ;
”The total breakdown of law and order by hoodlums who unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens and our dear state, prompted our decision to impose the 24 hour curfew.
I identify wholeheartedly with the #endsars protesters, and made sure Lagos state created a habitable environment for them to air their grievances and complaints without intimidation. I immediately swung into action as soon as I was presented with their demands. Changes that could be made immediately were done. And the ones that required a process, were kickstarted.
I watched keenly as humanity and love for one another thrive during the protests. A groundnut seller received life changing funds to grow her business, Jane got a prosthetic leg, people who lost their personal items got them back, new friendships were formed, protests grounds were tidied at the end of each day. Those actions made me proud and I was glad that Lagos state had set herself apart.
However, it is sad to see what was meant to be a life changing, boundary breaking, swift decision making, and status quo changing movement turn into a total bedlam by people who do not know the reasons why the protests started in the first place.
I watched these heartbreaking videos, and as Governor, history will not be kind to me if I fold my hands and allow arsonists, hoodlums, and anarchists hide under the guise of the #endsars protests to wreak havoc on the state, and put the lives of the very people I swore to protect in danger.
Imposing this curfew was difficult, especially as we have just returned from a COVID19 required lockdown. This curfew will allow security officials to immediately restore order to the state, and arrest the miscreants that have disrupted the peaceful protests.”
Viral reports and videos making the rounds on social media shows the sad moment Nigeria’s armed forces opened fire on peaceful #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.
According to some reports, four persons have died as a result of the shooting.
Nigerians have bemoaned this situation and they took to social media to strongly condemn it.
Singer Peter Okoye wrote ;
Nigerian Soldiers! shooting at Lekki Toll gate Now!!! @jidesanwoolu Protesters dead!!! WHAT A FAILED GOVERNMENT!
@lalaakindoju wrote ;
IF YOU KNOW THE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE PLEASE CALL HIM AND TELL HIM TO STOP HIS MEN FROM SHOOTING AT THE LEKKI PROTESTERS. THEY HAVE BEEN STUCK.
Wale Adetona wrote ;
They’ve started shooting at the protesters in Lekki. Please call whoever you have there to go home! Said this before. It’s not safe. Better to live to fight another day.
Toke Makinwa wrote ;
The shooting in lekki is uncalled for, these guys are harmless and cannot defend themselves. Why and d we offend? How is this even happening?
A Nigerian man identified as Daniel Usoroh has kicked against the actions of those who rejoiced after receiving free credit alerts from their banks.
According to him, real believers wouldn’t rejoice over money which they didn’t work for, but will rather proceed to the bank for proper investigations about the money.
In his words;
“They hack your bank and send you money, you spent it? You have really acted like an unbeliever whose father is the devil.
Angry, offended or not, if it’s not your money, it’s not your money. The bank will accept it and thank you”, he wrote.
