United Nations has issued a statement strongly condemning the brutal shooting of unarmed protesters in Nigeria demonstrating against police brutalities.
In a statement, Mr. Antonio Guterres condemned the violence calling for perpetrators to be arrested and prosecuted.
The release, dated October 21 said the Secretary-General “calls for an end to reported police brutality and abuses. He condemns the violent escalation on 20 October in Lagos which resulted in multiple deaths and caused many injuries.”
The Secretary General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, also said that Mr. Guterres “calls on the Nigerian authorities to investigate these incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
On Tuesday night, the Nigerian military opened fire on unarmed civilians protesting Police brutalities at Lekki Toll Gate, one of the main convergence points for the ongoing #EndSARS protests.
According to reports, some 20 people were shot dead in the protest, however, the Nigerian government has denied the reported fatalities, even though it is understood that many civilians were injured.
“The Secretary-General urges the security forces to act at all times with maximum restraint while calling on protestors to demonstrate peacefully and to refrain from violence,” the statement from the UN said.
It also urged “authorities to swiftly explore avenues to de-escalate the situation,” and reiterated the “readiness of the United Nations to support national efforts towards finding a solution.”