Irate Lagosians set Sanwoolu's family house ablaze in response to Nigeria's Sharpeville Massacre

IRATE Lagosians have burnt down the family home of Lagos State's Governor Babajide Sanwoolu on Lagos Island in response to last night's wanton massacre of unarmed youths at the Lekki Toll Gate.

Last night, the men of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army opened fire on unarmed protesters at the toll gate, in what is being referred to as Nigeria's Sharpeville Massacre. Over the last fortnight, the young and peaceful protesters had been demonstrating against police brutality and had been calling for the dissolution of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (Sars) police unit.

Yesterday morning, however, the nationwide protests descended into violence as government-sponsored thugs attacked protesters. In response, hoodlums attacked police stations and officers of the force, sending the whole nation up in flames, to which Governor Sanwoolu responded with a curfew due to start at 4pm.

As dusk approached, workers at the toll gate began removing the CCTV cameras at the facility, so what was being planned would not be recorded. Then, under the cover of darkness, the Nigerian Army attacked shooting at unarmed civilians, killing dozens and injuring scores.

Eyewitnesses claimed seven persons, mostly youths, died in the attack. Although Governor Sanwoolu has denied being behind the decision and has visited some of the survivors in hospital this morning, he is being blamed for the bloodbath by ordering the curfew and being behind the removal of the CCTV cameras.

As a result, angry youths have attacked the governor's family home on Omididun Street, on Lagos Island. Eyewitnesses said that one of the youths holding a jerry can of petrol was seen soaking the house in petrol but was quickly stopped by residents for fear that the fire could spread uncontrollably.

Moments after, however, the youths succeeded in burning down the house. It was learnt that policemen attached to the Adeniji Adele Police Station had raced to the scene in a bid to quell the violence but by then, the house was already ablaze.

One eyewitness said: “One of the youths poured petrol on the building but was immediately prevented from setting it ablaze because the fire could spread and lead to loss of lives. However, the youths soon gathered again and burnt down the house. The fire is currently spreading but firefighters have arrived at the scene.”