By DAPO FALADE
The All Progressive Congress (APC), South Africa chapter, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to give an assurance that the alleged military attack on #EndSARS peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza would be investigated.
The challenge is contained in a statement signed by its national chairman, Mr Bola Babarinde, who described the attack as barbaric.
He said the speech by the President on the violence that greeted the protest fell far beyond the expectations of many people, especially with its lack of attention to the shooting incident at the Lekki Toll Gate.
Babarinde said an investigation became imperative in view of the violence which engulfed some parts of the country, most especially Lagos, following the alleged shooting of #EndSARS protesters by soldiers at the Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday night.
“This incident is not one which should be glossed over in view of the incontrovertible evidence that shooting with live ammunition did happen at the toll gate and with several video evidences. It is indisputable that several people were injured and some have also died.
“In view of the fact that Mr. President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, his speech ought to have acknowledged this incident and give assurances that the matter would be properly investigated and the culprits brought to book.
“This lack of acknowledgement has disenchanted many and there appears to be no hope that those who lost their lives or were injured during the Lekki Toll gate shooting would receive any form of justice,” he said.
Babarinde said such approach made many, most especially the youths, to distrust the government, adding thay in this age of technology, the truth is very difficult to hide and when those in political power refuse to be open with the truth, it leads to serious mistrust and disenchantment by the populace.
He urged the government to do more on security to boost confidence of the people, adding: “#The EndSARS protest by the youth was a cry out for help against police brutality, harassment and killings perpetrated by SARS.
“However more of them have now even lost their lives trying to seek an end to the impunity by the armed men who ought to be protecting and securing their lives,” he said.
Babarinde, who expressed sadness that some lost their lives, urged the president not to put up any attitude to suggest the victims of Lekki shooting might not receive any form of justice.
He said the violence and arsons witnessed in Lagos and other states again brought to the fore the limited capacity of the state governors in managing the security of their states.
“The current level of carnage and bloodshed witnessed in Lagos and other parts of country may not have happened if the governors are directly in control of the security forces policing their respective states.
“Each state has its peculiarities and thus those at the helm of affairs in the states will better understand how to manage the internal security with their own security arm.
“The Federal security forces in such situations will only ever be needed if there is an external threat that can affect the sanctity of the whole nation,” he said.
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