ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – A recent official document released by the Lagos State government has ignited fury among Nigerians, as it confirms the massacre of over 100 citizens during the #EndSARS protest in 2020.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai are now being vehemently accused and referred to as “monstrous murderers.”
The #EndSARS protests, which took place nationwide in 2020, was triggered by a series of extrajudicial killings, extortion, and brutality perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force.
Tragically, the protest ended on a somber note when the government deployed thugs to attack protesters, resulting in the loss of lives and the disruption of the peaceful demonstrations.
Peoples Gazette, on 20 October, 2020, reported that Nigerian soldiers used live bullets against protesters at Lekki Tollgate, leading to the deaths of several citizens. However, Mr. Sanwo-Olu denied the massacre and claimed that only one person was killed.
A leaked letter titled “Mass Burial for 103, The Year 2020 Endsars Victims,” dated 19 July and issued by the Lagos State public procurement agency, has further confirmed the reports of citizens being massacred during the protests.
The letter reveals that the State government engaged the services of a private firm, Messrs Tos Funeral Ltd, at the cost of N61,285,000 to conduct the burial of 103 bodies identified as victims of the killings.
READ ALSO: EndSARS Mass Burial: Ezekwesili Urges Sanwo-Olu To Address Allegations
This revelation has sparked widespread criticism, with Nigerians demanding accountability and justice for the atrocities committed. Citizens are calling for the trial of Messrs Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, and Buratai.
Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, expressed his outrage on Twitter, stating: “The govt of Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari denied killing #EndSARS protesters in October of 2020, we’ve always maintained that they massacred protesters and hid their bodies across Lagos state. Here is a legit document of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu of Lagos contracted a funeral company -TOS Funerals Ltd- to bury Endsars ‘victims’ in mass graves. These heinous crimes will not go unpunished.”
Former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili, also took to Twitter, demanding answers from Mr. Sanwo-Olu: “Mr Governor of @followlasg, @jidesanwoolu, here is a document that has gone viral on social media, stating that your government procured services for mass burial of 103 corpses killed during the #EndSARS protest? Is this so? Mr Governor actually knew the state had a record of 103 dead bodies from the #EndSARS shootings? We need your urgent response.”
The public outcry on social media has been relentless, with users expressing their indignation and calling for accountability. Twitter user @Adonis4all insisted: “Buhari, Buratai, Sanwo Olu and all those that played major roles in this mindless, devilish and monstrous murder of innocent protesters at the Lekki tollgate must be made to face the ICJ. It will never be well with them all.”
READ ALSO:  EndSARS One Of The Most Successful Movements In Nigeria — Prof Soyinka
Another user, @Shehusky, asserted: “The people that killed EndSARS protesters are in government today. They are in Lagos state government house and Aso Rock. We told Nigerians that Tinubu and Sanwo Olu are killers, but they didn’t listen. The truth is finally out. You have a bloodthirsty demon in Aso Rock.”
Similarly, @Klintoncod expressed shock, stating: “We know people died, but I could not have thought it would be a whole 103 people; they even tried covering it whilst saying no one died. Omor!!! Sanwo Olu deserves 204 yrs jail time.”
In the wake of these revelations, @TheserahIbrahim tweeted, “Sanwo Olu wants to mass bury bodies of #EndSARS victims he killed. You bigots voted for him because of tribe.
“When they shot at us at Lekki Toll Gate, they didn’t separate us by tribe. Nobody said Yoruba’s stand here, Igbos stand there, and Arewa go over there. They shot everyone because they don’t give a damn about your tribe.”
A judicial panel established by the Lagos State government had previously accused the Nigerian military of using excessive force against protesters, confirming the massacre at Lekki Tollgate.
The panel recommended compensation for victims and disciplinary actions against the officers involved in the killings. However, the Lagos government has denied the occurrence of a massacre at the Tollgate during the protest.