Several feared killed as security operatives clash with Lekki #EndSARS protesters

SECURITY agents were reported to have clashed with peaceful protesters this evening at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos.

The #EndSARS protesters have been demonstrating against police brutality for the past 13 days.

Earlier in the day, the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had declared a 24-hour curfew on the state. This followed the violent outbreak in the Surulere area of the state, which led to the burning of the Orile Iganmu police station.

Lekki residents say they heard heavy gunfire around the toll gate.

Some of the protesters claimed that the lights at the toll gate were switched off before masked men in uniform began shooting.

Several persons have been reportedly killed, though it was impossible to ascertain the number.

Earlier in the day, some Twitter users raised the alarm that closed circuit television (CCTV) at the toll gate had been disconnected.

Videos of continuous gunshots have, however, gone viral on social media.

Amnesty International confirmed the reports in a series of tweets this night.

The Amnesty tweet stated:

“Amnesty International has received credible but disturbing evidence of excessive use of force occasioning deaths of protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos.

“While we continue to investigate the killings, Amnesty International wishes to remind the authorities that under international law, security forces may only resort to the use of lethal force when strictly unavoidable to protect against imminent threat of death or serious injury.”