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Nigeria News

We Can’t Verify Claims Of Killings At Lekki Tollgate ― US Govt

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Pathologist Gives Update On 99 Bodies Examined From #EndSARS Protests
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The United States Government has dismissed the alleged killings of protesters at the Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020 by soldiers.

It made this known in a report released by the US Department of State, Tagged ‘2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ released on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

According to the US department, the claim that protesters were killed by Nigerian soldiers at the Lekki tollgate could not be verified.

The US government added that accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at the end of the year.

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It, however, acknowledged that soldiers armed with live ammunition were present at the Lekki Toll Gate but nobody was killed.

The report reads partly: “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.

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“Amnesty International reported 10 persons died during the event, but the government disputed Amnesty’s report, and no other organization 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.”

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Naija News reports that the latest report is contrary to claims by CNN, which initially reported 38 protesters were killed during the incident, a claim the Federal Government vehemently rejected.