The ongoing nationwide protests are shifting from ending police brutality to institutionalising better governance, reforms, economic equality, equity, jobs and better infrastructure.

“We want a new Nigeria where we will have the same opportunity as children of politicians and the rich,” said Ogundele Amos, who joined a horde of protesters at Ilasamaja in Lagos on Tuesday.

“I finished my National Youth Service in 2016 after graduating from a federal university the previous year with a second class upper degree, yet I can’t get a job. When you have a problem as a young Nigerian, you are on your own. Is Nigeria’s wealth for politicians and their families alone?” Amos asked, rhetorically.

Nigerian youths started #EndSARS protest almost two weeks ago to put an end to the activities of a rogue police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The Federal Government has since changed SARS to Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), but young Nigerians want total police reforms and prosecution of rogue police officers involved in killing Nigerians extra judicially, especially officers at Awkuzu, Anambra State, and those indicted in APO Six massacre of Nigerians.

Protesters are now demanding better governance, youth development and education reforms, reduction in cost of governance as well as constitutional, public office, health and institutional reforms.

On his Twitter handle on October 17, Joe Abah, an institutional reforms expert and former director-general of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said, “We should all have the humility to admit that none of us have ever seen anything like the #EndSARS protests. You can say it’s about police brutality/reforms, or cost of governance, or arrogance of politicians, or injustice. It’s all of them. It is the youth saying ‘Otoge.”

It was a different thing entirely in Abule Egba, Lagos state, as a Nigerian Politician identified as Abiodun Bolarinwa opened fire on Peaceful protesters who came out to register their displeasure. Reports have it that the said Politician was denied the permission to address the protesting youths as they booed him.

After the protesters prevented him from addressing them, they followed his tinted vehicle closely and where throwing things at him.

The protesters who were not happy with him being a politician blocked him from passing as they were bathed him with abusive words. The Politician never said a word as he peacefully entered his vehicle and tried to leave the scene where it happened.

Angry protesters threw things at him and placed a tyre on his vehicle and his personal guards prevented them from hurting the politician.

The politician moved forward a bit and the thugs that were with him opened the door of his vehicle for him. He came out with a riffle as he engaged in a war film with the protesters, shooting sporadically in the air. Protesters were seen running for their dear lives after the politician opened fire on them.

It was reported that two people allegedly lost their lives in the gun battle as the politician showed how the movie actor Rambo does it in movies.

Is this not a big shame for a politician to open fire on protesters on broad day light?

Is only God that will heal this land.

Watch the video below;

The army has, however, labelled the reports false on all its verified social media accounts.

The Nigerian Army has denied that its officials shot at protesters in Lekki Toll Gate Plaza on Tuesday evening.

This paper earlier reported how security agents in military camouflage opened fire on protesters at the Lekki toll gate, in Lagos State.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the streetlights were put off and the CCTV cameras removed before the security agents stormed the venue.

Witnesses also told this newspaper that the attack on unarmed protesters after the Lagos State Government imposed a curfew in Lagos, left at least seven people dead. The figures could rise with many other protesters injured from the shootings.

Multiple videos captured by citizens show the moment soldiers opened fire on the protesters, and the clips show terrified citizens crouching and screaming as gunshots rented the air.

The army has, however, labelled the reports false on all its verified social media accounts.

When contacted on Tuesday evening, the spokesperson of the military outfit, Sagir Musa, told PREMIUM TIMES that protest is a civil matter and the army has nothing to do with the attack.

Meanwhile, when our reporter confronted him with the multiple evidence indicating that the shooters were soldiers, Mr Musa said; “I am not aware.”

Several Nigerians at home and abroad have condemned the killings of Tuesday night, describing it as an act of wickedness against the unarmed protesters.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki condemned the actions of the government, urging the President to call the officers to order.

“I have watched with horror the use of force against the Lekki #EndSARS protesters. My heart bleeds for the country. It is sad and disheartening that this is happening. These are peaceful youth protesting to express legitimate concerns. It is unacceptable for any Government to turn its weapons on its own young people. What has happened in Lekki tonight is nothing but a massacre.”

“This shooting must stop immediately and the security agents that carried out this exercise should be ordered to stop. No life of any Nigerian youth taking part in a peaceful protest deserves to be taken.”

“Killing our defenceless youth is wrong — regardless of the circumstance. Killing our children our youth is also killing our future as a nation. We must take a quick walk back from this. We must do all that is necessary to protect and engage with the youth on all issues. Let the shooting stop and let fruitful dialogue commence,” Mr Saraki’s statement read.

Ex-U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to end the killings.

“I’m calling on @mbuhari and the @hqnigerianarmy to stop killing young #EndSARS protesters. #StopNigeriaGovernment,” Mrs Clinton wrote Tuesday night on Twitter.

EndSARS protest

PREMIUM TIMES had reported on the protest since it began about a fortnight ago. This newspaper reported how how protesters have staged peaceful demonstrations in major Nigerian cities, demanding for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the police.

The protest led to the disbandment of SARS and the replacement with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad. The federal government also promised to implement other demands of the protesters.

However, the protests still continued in major cities like Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja with hoodlums and security officials attacking the protesters in some of the cities.

The hoodlums broke into the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) facility in Benin, resulting in the escape of several inmates. Also, police stations were razed by the thugs in Lagos and Ibadan, PREMIUM TIMES reported.

These pockets of violence resulted in the declaration of curfew by the Edo, Lagos, Ekiti and Osun governments.

Protesters have, however, remained defiant in the face of these restrictions, promising not to stop the demonstrations until all demands are met.

PREMIUMTIMES

“This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history”

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has blamed the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate Tuesday evening by security agents believed to be soldiers on “forces beyond his control.”

The governor, who said Tuesday evening was the toughest night of “our lives,” said the shooting leaves dark notes in the history of the state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who posted the statement on Twitter early Wednesday morning, shared pictures of himself visiting those injured in the shooting.

According to Mr Sanwo-Olu, 10 victims are currently being treated at the state-owned General Hospital, 11 at Reddington Hospital, and four at Vedic Lifecare Hospital. He also said two victims of the shooting were receiving intensive medical care while three victims had been released.

Mr Sanwo-Olu promised to make a state broadcast later this morning.

Below is the governor’s statement.

This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger.

I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki. It has taken me this long to make a statement because I have to prioritize the welfare of the victims of this very sad incident.

There are currently 10 patients at the Gen Hospital, 11 at Reddington and 4 at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while 2 are receiving intensive medical care. 3 patients have been discharged & we will continue to monitor and ensure all patients get the best care.

As the Governor of our state, I recognize the buck stops at my table and I will work with the FG to get to the root of this unfortunate incident and stabilise all security operations to protect the lives of our residents.

I will give a state broadcast in the morning.

Barbadian singer, Rihanna Fenty, has lent her voice to the ongoing #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Rihanna said she couldn’t bear to see the torture and brutality that has continued to occur not only in Nigeria but also across the world.

“I can’t bear to see this torture and brutalization that is continuing to affect nations across our planet. It is such a betrayal to the citizens, the very people put in place to protect are the ones we are most afraid of being murdered by. My heart is broken for Nigeria. It is unbearable to watch,” she wrote.

The singer, however, saluted Nigerians for their courage despite the tough times.

“I’m so proud of your strength and for not letting up on the fight for what is right. #EndSARS,” she added.

Her comments come hours after soldiers shot at #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate Area of Lagos State.

The incident happened at about 7:00 pm.

Amid raging anger in and out of government over escalating protests and orchestrated violence against protesters and symbols of authority and private property, a viral prayer is acting as soothing balm to all concerned. It first emerged earlier Tuesday, but it is catching on.

It reads:

I wish I could put a call through to everyone on my contact tonight to check on them…..

li do hope you are safe.

It’s a phase and it will surely come to pass; don’t Panic
I pray to God to protect and keep you and your family safe at this time and beyond.

The blood of the innocent souls shed today will surely speak.

The LORD is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.’ Number, 14:18
I pray that this will be the portion of every wicked leader in this nation in Jesus mighty name.  Amen

Stay safe ♥️

▪︎ DSS denies involvement in Abuja video

A disturbing video out of Lagos showing #EndSARS protesters singing the nation’s national anthem while been shot by men alleged to be of the security forces is sparking outrage; as another emerged in Abuja showing persons said to be security agents ferrying alleged pro-SARS out of an attack zone is fervently gaining traction on social media.

In them all, mum is the reaction from the Police and Army, but the Department of State Services (DSS) says its hands are clean over the damning allegations; even as Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered investigations into the Lekki Toll Gate shooting, where a former Lagos State Governor is alleged to have huge business interest.

A disturbing video out of Lagos showing #EndSARS protesters

Recall that Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani group, has accused All Progressives Congress chieftain, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, among others, of having a hand in the raging #EndSARS protest because of an alleged presidential ambition in 2023.

The group claims the grand plot is to sack President Muhammadu Buhari, a Fulani.

There are other disturbing videos Everyday.ng cannot share because of their gory nature.

On the Abuja video, an expert told Everyday.ng: “Why are we surprised at this video? It is the business of security forces to employ legitimate and illegitimate means to neutralise protests that threaten the government of the day.

“When they are slow to react like this, it is either that they are behind the protests, or their leadership is in support of the protests. It is why the daughter of former dictator, Sani Abacha, first made the popular comment that when a security situation lasts more than 24 hours, government of the day is complicit.

“Such people, like the ones above, if this video is to be believed, are not the foot-soldiers, they are embedded commanders who direct affairs. May God help us.”

But in a statement, the DSS is exonerating itself from allegations of complicity. Its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunaya, in a statement said:

“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to the fake news making the round that its personnel are aiding pro-SARS supporters and thugs to attack #ENDSARS protesters in Abuja. Part of the untruth being spewed to the public is that some of its officials attached to certain VIPs aided thugs in this regard.

“In view of the false accusations, no DSS personnel has, so far, been identified to be involved in the alleged acts. It begs the question to conclude that SUVs and persons dressed in suits and sighted in conflict environments are of the DSS. Fact is that no staff of the DSS will engage in acts as the ones being peddled by these rumour mongers and hate speakers.

“The Service is a responsible professional Organization and will endeavor to remain so at all times. It, therefore, wishes to state that the allegations leveled against it are not true and can only be taken as false narratives designed to cast it in bad image as well as inflame the protests.

“Consequently, the public is enjoined to disregard the falsehood emanating from sections of the social and mainstream media, subversive groups and interests. The Service uses this opportunity to call on citizens to eschew bitterness, remain law abiding and cooperate with security agencies and indeed, the Government for lasting peace and public safety.”

Meanwhile, enraged leaders of thought, like those in the National Consultative Front,: NCFront, have accused Government of allegedly colluding with thugs and hoodlums to discredit and scuttle popular Youths action

A statement from Olawale Okunniyi, its Head of Secretariat reads “Leaders of Conscience under the aegies of the National Consultative Front, …has condemned the Nigerian government for unleashing a combination of hoodlums brutality and State terror on peaceful protesters in a desperate ploy to undermine, clampdown and scuttle the Peaceful protest initiated by the Nigerian Youths to reform Nigeria

“The NCFront… said from the evidences compiled so far, the Nigerian State and Governments have been exposed as being very reckless and irresponsible in their desperation to scuttle the peaceful protest of the Nigerian Youths, maiming and killing thousand of peaceful Protesters and defenceless Nigerians nationwide

“The NCFront wishes to condemn in the strongest terms, the unstatesmanly panic and jitter betrayed by the Nigerian State and Governments in resorting to propaganda, blackmail, conspiracy and terror to discredit and scuttle the popular peaceful protest of the Nigerian people spearheaded by the EndSars Movement.

“We are indeed very perturbed by the various reactionary tactics and antics employed and deployed by the Nigerian State to discredit, clampdown and scuttle the historic opportunity provided by the Nigerian youths to reform the failed Nigerian State, currently being run as a criminal enterprise and the poverty capital of the world with the teeming Youths of Nigeria bearing the most brunt of terrible state of the country.

“However, given our experience of popular struggle of the people all over the world, the latest antics of the Nigerian government and ruling class to foist erroneous impression that the EndSars protest has gone awry and out of hands inorder to scuttle it with reactionary clampdown and terror can not stop this popular national action, whose time has come as the Nigeria youths and people will have cause to return to the streets soon as their crucial demand to reform and reset Nigeria away from a corrupt and brutal governance system is yet to be met and may have to be pursued henceforth by all Nigerians of conscience, who desire an immediate end to the present exploitative political system in Nigeria

“…we wish to salute and commend the Nigeria youths and the EndSars Movement for the unequalled sacrifices and resolve to liberate our country from State brutality and poverty as we condemn a situation where the Nigerian state collude with hoodlums and thugs to attack, maim, shoot and kill peaceful EndSars protesters nationwide

“This unprecedented State conspiracy and attacks against popular and peaceful action of the Nigerian masses is nothing but uncivilized and wicked, thereby hanging the blood of all those brutalised, maimed, shot and murdered during the EndSars Protest on the head of the Nigerian State. To this end, we call on the Nigerian Youths in Protest against the maiming and killing of their peers to reject government state judicial panels as they are Greek’s gift meant to scam and neutralise the popular struggle initiated to bring about a reformed Nigeria that works for all.

“Finally, we, by this statement, put the international community, especially the United Nations on notice of the human rights crimes committed by the Nigerian Government against peaceful and defenceless Citizens of Nigeria and also call on all Nigerians of Conscience to rise against the latest State brutality and anarchy in Nigeria as the Front will in the succeeding days hold an inclusive meeting of all Leaders of Conscience to review the EndSars Struggle and the way forward.”

As the #EndSARS protest continues in the country, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has reminded broadcast stations in the country of the rules on coverage of crisis.

The management of the NBC, in a statement issued in Abuja, however, said it monitored with keen interest, the coverage and reportage of the on-going protest on the #EndSARS campaign and noted that broadcasters have so far been conscious of their role as gatekeepers and the fourth estate of the realm.

“In specific terms, the commission enjoined broadcasters to take definite note of the following provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to further guide their broadcast during this
challenging time:

“1.3.3 Broadcast technology enables the broadcaster to bring information on issues of concern to the audience with immediacy. In the event of a crisis, the advantages of broadcast technologies may be used, but not in a manner to aggravate the situation or adversely affect those emotionally involved;

“5.4.1 (b) At all times, ensure that the coverage of a disaster or crisis is aimed at the overall public interest, guidance and safety;

“5.4.3 In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality; and

“5.6.2 The broadcaster shall approach with restraints, the use of materials from user generated sources in order not to embarrass individuals, organisations, government or cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society at large,” the NBC said.

The NBC further reiterated that broadcasters have a duty to promote the corporate existence of Nigeria, and the socio-economic well-being of the Nigerian State.

“The Commission urges all broadcasters to continue to provide efficient, professional and comprehensive service to the people based on national objectives and aspirations,” the NBC also said.

The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into reports of live ammunition fired at peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza this evening, even as the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to remain calm.

The State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement, said the shooting would be investigated immediately.

“There have been reports of shooting at the Lekki Toll Plaza, following the 24-hour curfew imposed on Lagos State to stop criminals who hid under the #EndSARS protests to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens. 

“The State Government has ordered an investigation into the incident. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish.

“He advises Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who have hijacked the noble protest of our gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan  of turning our dear state upside down,” Omotoso said.

He assured that the Governor would do everything within his power to ensure that the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times.