Sanwo-Olu to make state broadcast Wednesday morning
From the difficult course of navigating a cogent response to the COVID-19 pandemic to coming up with a pragmatic approach to the #EndSARS protests by youths in Lagos, no night could have been so long drawn for Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State as that of 20th October 2020.
It was a night in which unconfirmed scores of youths protesting at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos were gunned down by security agents in a nasty response to their agitations.
Gocvernor Sanwo-Olu had announced a 24-hour curfew which was to have commenced at 4pm but which was later shifted to 9pm.
The security agents, perhaps, did not get the memo.
At dusk, hours before the 9pm curfew commencement, security agents moved in and opened fire on the protesters in what may be seen as one of Nigeria’s darkest days in all its history.
At the last count, unconfirmed reports put the casualty at 49.
Sanwo-Olu immediately announced a government investigation into the shootings.
Later, he would go around the various hospitals where injured youths were taken in for medical care.
In a tweet, he posted later, he accounted for 31 injured protesters. He made no mention of the dead.
His tweet read:
“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.”
