#EndSARS: US Says No Proof Soldiers Killed Civilians At Lekki Toll Gate

The United States government has stated that it disputes claims that Nigerian civilians were gunned down by soldiers at the Lekki Toll Gate during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.

The comment comes amid overwhelming claims and reports to the contrary by different bodies and media organizations, including Amnesty International and the US-based Cable News Network (CNN).

Per a report from Vanguard, the United States' opinion on the Lekki Toll Gate incident is contained in the recently-released '2020m Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria.'

Protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos

It said, "On October 20, members of the security forces enforced a 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).

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"Accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at year's end. 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."