By Our Reporters
Soldiers opened fire on unarmed protesters in Lagos on Tuesday night as police announced nationwide deployment as Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari grapples with the biggest crisis of his administration.
At least seven people were killed and dozens left with gunshot injuries when soldiers fired live rounds into a crowd of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos. Emergency workers said they were prevented from attending to the injured. Several police stations were set ablaze by rioters in different parts of the country.
Anti-riot police is being deployed nationwide to maintain security and protect public assets, police spokesman Frank Mba said in an emailed statement. On social media there were several videos showing the police working together with thugs armed to disrupt peaceful protests and create the pretext for intervention.
The action of the troops has generated global outrage, with U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden calling on Buhari in a statement to restrain his troops.
Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who earlier declared a 24-hour curfew, said his government has ordered an investigation of the shootings.