EndSARS: UN condemns violence in Nigeria
United Nation Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned violence in Nigeria meted out by the military on civilian protesters while the Africa Union and ECOWAS have been silent.
“He condemns the violent escalation on 20 October in Lagos which resulted in multiple deaths and caused many injuries” a statement read.
Calling for the perpetrators to be punished, Guterres asked the Nigerian government to swiftly explore avenues to de-escalate the situation.
He further expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured, speedy recoveries.
António Guterres reiterated, “the readiness of the United Nations to support national efforts towards finding a solution” it read.
About 43 protesters and six policemen lost their lives on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Lekki tollgate in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos.
Protesters calling for the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) of the Nigeria Police have been carrying out peaceful demonstrations across the country since October 8.
However, the protests assumed a violent dimension last week when thugs attacked peaceful protesters in Lagos and Abuja.
The hoodlums, who have been attacking protesters in Abuja, became emboldened on Tuesday when they killed six protesters at Waru, Wumba, and Kubuwa, Daily Graphic reported.
Other global celebrities have called on the Nigerian government to end the violence.
It has been three weeks since the protest in Nigeria began but no African leader or association has condemned the police brutality on protesters.