Peaceful protesters who gathered at the Lekki Tollgate to mark the second anniversary of the ENDSARS protests were dispersed by the Lagos State Police with teargas Thursday. The Lekki Tollgate was the scene of a bloodbath in October 2020 after security forces opened live rounds at demonstrators who had gathered there to protest the police brutality and bad governance. About 40 people lost their lives even as the Nigeria army and government officials insisted that there was no shooting at the scene. A woman who spoke on Arise TV Thursday morning said her son is still missing. He had been at the Lekki Tollgate. “Up till now we have not seen him or his dead body,” she said. Notable Nigerians who were present at the peaceful march before the police hauled teargas were presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, rapper Falz Falana and Nollywood actor and comedian Mr. Macaroni. Lagos State Police PRO SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said their men had to use tears because some of the youths gathered there became unruly. “Peaceful persons were allowed to move around without interference from the police. Some of them that decided to be lawless and start mounting the toll complex, an action threatening the existing law and order in the area, were dispersed with teargas. “There was no use of the baton, neither was there physical contact. We equally do not have any record of shooting. We would, however, appreciate evidence of gunshots, maybe a video, to enable us to take appropriate action. “A stitch in time saves nine. They were already gathering at the toll gate as opposed to doing a peaceful procession. Minimal force was used. No injury or fatality”.
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