Nigeria. Photo: Twitter@Catriona Laing
The United Kingdom is insisting on probing the shooting
of #EndSARS protesters in the Lekki area of Lagos and similar
incidents during the demonstrations.
In a tweet on its handle on Monday evening, the United Kingdom
High Commission in Nigeria equally explained that it is working
with stakeholders to ensure justice is served.
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“We remain concerned by acts of looting & violence in Flag
of Nigeria & urge security services use restraint as order is
restored,” the High Commission added.
“Working with all stakeholders, judicial panels of inquiry must
investigate all incidents, including #Lekki, & ensure
accountability for crimes.”
We remain concerned by acts of looting &
violence in& urge security services use
restraint as order is restored. Working with all stakeholders,
judicial panels of inquiry must investigate all incidents,
including #Lekki, & ensure accountability for crimes.
#EndPoliceBrutality— UK in Nigeria
(@UKinNigeria) October 26, 2020
At the beginning of the month, many Nigerians took to the
streets across various cities, protesting against brutality and
extrajudicial killings in the country.
A Loathed Police Unit
The #EndSARS protests, calling for the disbandment of the
Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), lasted for weeks.
candlelight procession in honour of victims of police
brutality.
Following the continuous demonstrations which caused traffic
gridlock in major cities in the West African nation, the
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Adamu Mohammed, dissolved the
much-hated unit of the police force accused of human rights
abuses.
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That, however, did not assuage the protesters. They claimed that
similar pronouncements were made in the past. The most recent
announcement from the IGP, the protesters argued, will not see the
light of day.
They stayed on the streets, insisting they would not leave until
their demands are met.
Deadly Dimension
On Tuesday last week, things, however, took another dimension
when some armed men believed to be soldiers, opened fire on the
demonstrators at the Toll Gate in Lekki, Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on a visit to the
#EndSARS protesters shot by soldiers in Lekki on October 20, 2020.
Photos: Twitter – @jidesanwoolu.
Witnesses say many of the protesters were killed during the
incident. The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, equally
noted that twenty-eight persons were injured during the
incident.
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Although the Nigerian Army denied carrying out the shooting,
human rights organization, Amnesty International, pegged the
casualty figure from the incident and another at Ikeja at
12.
The shooting sparked the destruction and burning of
infrastructure and a looting spree, particularly in Lagos
State.