The Nigerian Army has finally admitted taking live ammunition to Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020, when EndSARS protesters were dispersed after two weeks of converging on the area.
The commander of the 81 division of the Nigerian Army, Ibrahim Taiwo, spoke while testifying before the judicial panel the Lagos State government set up to probe the incident.
Commenting on the incident while being cross examined by Olumide Fusika (SAN), Taiwo however said the live rounds were not used on protesters.
He said they were meant for the protection of the troops that were deployed to restore order in the State.
The army commander said while the soldiers that opened fire used blank bullets, their colleagues with live rounds were on ground to protect them from suspected hoodlums who fomented trouble.
A CNN investigation indicted the army of firing live bullets directly into the crowd of protesters, allegedly killing some and wounding several, precipitating national and global outrage.
The army initially denied it sent soldiers to the tollgate, but recanted after Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said soldiers were at the tollgate on the night of the shooting.
Admitting that its men were present at the tollgate, the army said they were called in on the request of the governor.
While Sanwo-Olu said two protesters died after the incident, Taiwo said the governor was misinformed.