In the aftermath of the #LekkiMassacre on the heels of the #EndSARS protest, no one has stepped forward to take responsibility for the murder of peaceful protesters. What we see today is a blame-game gradually playing out between the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Nigerian Army (NA) who allegedly carried out the shootings as seen in video evidence circulating on social media.

First, it was Seyi Tinubu; the son of former governor of Lagos, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the directive to switch off the bill-boards at the Lekki Toll-Gate moments before the unfortunate incident.

And now, the Nigerian Army has released a statement saying Governor Sanwo-Olu was the one who invited them to restore order at the Lekki Toll-Gate, where the massacre took place. But the governor, who had always maintained that he is not the Commander-in-Chief and therefore, does not have the power to give orders to the Nigerian Army, never mentioned this.

The question now is why is the Nigerian Army just breaking their silence one week after the horrific incident which has left many Nigerians traumatized? Why now? Is it due to pressure from the international media or because Governor Sanwo-Olu had revealed in an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson that the Nigerian Army carried out the shootings of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll-Gate? Or is this an attempt by the Nigerian Army to clear their name? No doubt, there are more questions than answers.

Some Nigerians have also opined that the governor might have unwittingly played into the hands of the Nigerian Army; stating that they probably want to make him a scapegoat in the narrative after he had exposed them in his interview with CNN.

That is it, he deserves whatever is coming to him. He will be the Scape goat in this whole story. Mark it

— Queen O.G (@_OgesBii) October 28, 2020

We may not know the whole truth at this point, but one thing remains sure – the perpetrators of the heinous crime and the one(s) who gave the directive to open fire on peaceful protesters on that fateful night know themselves. Perhaps, our leaders need more pressure from the international media and community to speak the truth.

As the mystery behind the shootings gradually unfolds before our eyes, we can only hope that the perpetrators are fished out and brought to book soon.

Reactions:

Ok, this is a very interesting development for 2 reasons.
(1) The army initially LIED that they didn't know who the soldiers at Lekki were and tagged videos of their men as fake.
(2) Sanwoolu repeatedly LIED that he didn't know who sent in the soldiers since he's not the CinC.

— ??????? ??????? (@steveosaz) October 27, 2020

The army kept their silence until Becky of CNN rattled Gov. to confess that army was actually present, Army now come and tell truth say, na Gov invite us to come shoot o.

— (((Anefiok Akpan))) (@Anefiok) October 27, 2020

#sorosoke we all knew, and that was why when cousin Jide was confessing to Becky on CNN, it felt a lot like someone was pushing the army under the bus. if we remember what he said to Arise TV, the army was not meant to get there till 10pm if curfew would start by 9pm#EndSARS

— Free Dadiyata. Free Leah Sharibu. Tyrants Bow (@drbanj) October 27, 2020

Sanwo Olu said he didn’t know who sent the soldiers as he doesn’t control the Army. But now the Army said he invited them.

The Army lied they were never there initially. Now they have backtracked on that and said Sanwo invited them.

Both parties ready to destroy each other now.

— #OurFavOnlineDoc ????? (@DrOlufunmilayo) October 27, 2020

I just pity Sanwolu, everything will be poured on his head.

— DJ Switch PA (@lagoshighpriest) October 27, 2020

You don't have to pity him…. He didn't protect the protesters when he had the chance because I'm sure something like that can't happen in a state you govern without your permission.

— Lovely Loveth (@OgunsolaLoveth) October 28, 2020

It wont be too surprised if everything ends up on Sanwoolu's head eventually….He has a share in this but I guess other parties that can't be casted were involved

— Ìtẹ́olúwakìíṣí? (@Iteoluwakiisi10) October 27, 2020

You think the dead will let them
Confusion will set in and boom the truth will come out
You cannot kill innocent people and have peace.
Chukwuaju

— Odyloveth (@odyloveth) October 27, 2020