International bodies, which includes the European Union and the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday, condemned last night killings of unarmed protesters by the Nigeria soldiers at Lekki, Lagos.
Reuters news agency reports that soldiers opened fire on Nigerians protesting against police brutality in the Lekki district of the commercial capital Lagos on Tuesday, and at least two people were shot, four witnesses told Reuters.
Thousands of Nigerians have demonstrated here nationwide every day for nearly two weeks against a police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), that rights groups had for years accused of extortion, harassment, torture and murders.
According to a statement by the High Representative/Vice-President of the EU, Josep Borrell, “It is alarming to learn that several people have been killed and injured during the ongoing protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Nigeria.”
“It is crucial that those responsible of abuses be brought to justice and held accountable. Following the Government’s will to deliver on reforms, we expect to see decisive implementation,” the EU said.
Also, a statement by the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria said “It is with great concern that we receive the information showing the use of disproportionate force by security forces at the #LekkiTollgate in Lagos yesterday, seemingly resulting in deaths of some #EndSARS protesters.”
“#SwedenInNigeria Emphasizing the respect for #HumanRights and peaceful demonstrations, we urge security forces to exercise restraint and ask Nigerian authorities (@NigeriaGov) to urgently investigate the incident,” the embassy said in a tweet statement.