The Lagos state judicial panel of enquiry have presented their report to the Lagos state government on their probe on cases of police brutality and alleged shooting of peaceful protesters by officers of the Nigerian Army at the Lekki toll gate on the 20-10-2020.

After investigations, the unfortunate incident has been described by the Lagos Panel as a MASSACRE.

The Lagos Panel went further to submit that officers of the Nigeria Army brought live ammunition to the protest ground, shot and injured unarmed protesters while the protesters sang the Nigerian national anthem and waved the Nigerian flag. Quarters from the Nigerian Police Force on the other hand have argued that none of such a shooting took place.

It is regrettably lugubrious that this dastardly show of shame and infamy was carried out by those who swore to protect the citizens of this country. This is unacceptable in any civilized society. Nigeria is not a Jungle and there are laws that govern. The Nigerian Army had no jurisdiction whatsoever at the time to be at the protest grounds, not to mention going in there with live ammunitions and actually shooting at unarmed citizens.

As a matter of urgency, the Lagos state government and indeed the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government have a moral and constitutional obligation to bring to justice everyone directly or indirectly involved in the injury and massacre of unarmed, helpless and defenseless civilians. This is a crime against humanity. It is in fact repugnant to natural Justice, equity and good conscience; a gross abuse of human rights; an abuse of office and the trust of the Nigeria people. The whole world is watching to see what will be done with the recommendations of this report.

Those involved in the massacre must be held accountable, brought to justice and made to face the full extent of the law. A good opportunity has been presented to the President Buhari led Federal government to show the world that they are a government with respect for human rights, as the primary purpose of government is the protection of the lives and livelihoods of her citizens.

As a responsible and responsive government, anything or anyone that dares to assault her citizens must be brought to justice and made to answer for their crimes. Would President Buhari’s administration do right by the findings and recommendations of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Enquiry? Only time will tell.

Joseph Egbara

Political Analysts.

Abuja.