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#LekkiMassacre: Buhari’s ministers recommend probe of Nigerian Army

At least nine Nigerians were killed when Nigerian soldiers intervened in a protest against police brutality on October 20.

• November 4, 2020
General-Tukur-Buratai
Photo of Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Photo Credit: @HQNigerianArmy) Twitter

The federal cabinet on Wednesday recommended a thorough probe of the October 20 deadly military attack on protesters in Lagos. 
The recommendation followed a visit of ministers to the scene of the massacre in Lagos last week. 

Tunde Fashola, who read the decision following today’s executive council meeting said the administration would “undertake a thorough investigation into what happened in the Lekki Toll Plaza, particularly the role of the military and ensure that the outcome is made public with a view to achieving closure on the matter.” 

Mr. Fashola did not immediately say how soon the investigation would commence, or under which scope. It was the first time the federal cabinet would have the matter on its agenda since the controversial military operation, having failed to discuss it at its October 21 sitting.

At least nine Nigerians were killed when soldiers opened fire on #EndSARS protesters shortly after sunset on October 20. 

The Nigerian Army has faced criticism for its handling of the protest, but its top generals, led by Tukur Buratai, strongly denied wrongdoing and said the intervention was based on a request from Lagos authorities.

Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu has, however, distanced himself from the carnage and also promised to pursue justice in the matter. The International Criminal Court is proceeding with its own investigation into the attack.

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