The United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to impose a visa restriction on persons found culpable in the shooting of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos on Tuesday.
Although, the Defence Headquarters has denied deploying soldiers to the location, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo -Olu insists the military carried out the shooting.
“For clarity, it is imperative to explain that no sitting governor controls the rules of engagement of the military,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
“I have, nonetheless, ordered an investigation into the rules of engagement adopted by men of the Nigerian Army that were deployed to the Lekki toll gate last night (Tuesday).”
The casualty figure is still being disputed.
However, following an email inquiry from Saturday PUNCH to the US Foreign Mission to Nigeria on actions to be carried out against the culprits of the shooting, the US embassy stated: “We stand by Secretary Pompeo’s statement of October 8, 2020: Adherence to these democratic norms and to the rule of law allows all citizens to engage in political dialogue and support their choice of candidates, parties, and platforms.
“We will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process and will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions.”
Senior officials of the US government had on Thursday met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and expressed displeasure over the shooting.
Meanwhile, the judicial panel set up by the Lagos State Government to probe the Lekki incident will begin sitting on Monday.
