#LekkiMassacre: Buratai gave orders to deploy soldiers: Army General
![The Lagos panel of inquiry on #EndSARS. [CREDIT: Bella Naija]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Lagos-panel-of-enquiry.jpg)
Ahmed Taiwo, a Nigerian Army brigadier-general, has told the Lagos judicial panel of inquiry, Chief Of Army Staff Tukur Buratai gave orders to deploy soldiers against protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.
Mr. Taiwo said the order was issued at about 3:00 p.m. on October 20.
Mr. Taiwo also said to the panel that soldiers were given both live and blank bullets, before alert level Phase 4 was activated.
The military chief said Phase 4 is a directive enforced when police on the ground are overwhelmed and soldiers are needed to interfere.
He told the panel that it was activated due to reports of the protests being hijacked by hoodlums, saying it was also why live rounds were fired.
When asked if rules of engagement were followed, Mr. Taiwo said that no rules were used as the soldiers were under attack, contradicting the military headquarters narrative.
Mr. Buratai had previously insisted that the Nigerian Army acted professionally and kept to the rules of engagement in the handling the #ENDSARS protesters.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Atiku promises total restoration of subsidy as president, says no spokesperson is authorised to mislead Nigerians
Mr Abubakar said his position on subsidy restoration is to ease Nigerians’ economic hardships associated with President Bola Tinubu’s economic policy.
Sport
Manchester United sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton
Manchester United confirmed the long-awaited signing of Cameroonian international Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a £70 million deal.
World
American country music icon Dolly Parton dies at 80
The music idol, philanthropist, guitarist and actress was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.
Lagos
Eid-el-Maulud: Gov Sanwo-Olu felicitates Muslims, urges peaceful coexistence
”This occasion provides an opportunity for Muslims faithful to promote kindness, compassion, and peaceful coexistence in their daily interactions with others,” he said.
States
COAS inaugurates critical care centre, helipad in Kaduna
Mr Shaibu said the helipad would significantly reduce the time required to evacuate wounded soldiers from operational areas for critical medical care.
Faith
‘We will repay Uba Sani at the polls’: Fityanul-Islam leader
The chairman of Fityanul-Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahu Zaria, said the governor has supported religious activities since he assumed office.
