Following reports of the #LekkiTollMassacre, several world leaders have reacted to the incident in which military men shot and killed peaceful protesters.
The UN’s Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the violence exhibited by Nigerian soldiers at the Lekki Toll in Lagos, Nigeria.
In an afternoon tweet, the UN chief said, “I condemn the escalation of violence in Lagos, Nigeria, which has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.”
He also called on the Nigerian government to ensure that the demonstration is peaceful.
Also, Guterres called for an end to the reported police brutality and abuses.
He said, “Authorities must investigate these incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.”
I condemn the escalation of violence in Lagos, Nigeria, which has resulted in multiple deaths & injuries.
I call for demonstrations to be peaceful and for an end to reported police brutality & abuses. Authorities must investigate these incidents & hold perpetrators accountable.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 21, 2020
Guterres’s statement has also been documented on a page on the United Nations website.
Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the Secretary-General, recorded the message.
Other leaders express their position on the happenings in Nigeria via Twitter
After Tuesday’s killings, Ghana’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Nana Akufo-Addo, commented on the event.
Through his tweet, he expressed sympathy to all victims of the violence.
He also added that he had spoken with the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari – who has refused to talk to Nigerians amid the current uproar.
Violence, be it on the part of the Police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery. 2/2 #EndSARS
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) October 21, 2020
Bill Clinton, former US president, also expressed concerns.
He admonished the government to engage in “peaceful dialogue” with the #EndSars protesters.
The Archbishop of Canterbury also expressed his utmost condemnation of the act of the Nigerian soldiers.
He also added that he urged President @MBuhari directly to ensure that lives are protected.
I condemn in the strongest terms the reported deliberate shooting of unarmed protesters in #Lagos and other parts of #Nigeria.
I have urged President @MBuhari directly to ensure that lives are protected – and I say that again now.
I mourn for Nigeria. May God save Nigeria.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) October 21, 2020
Other global leaders lending their voices include former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings.
He encouraged all involved parties to move towards non-violent engagement.
Hillary Clinton also called out to the President and Nigerian soldiers to stop the killings.
Twitter – playing a significant role
Social media has proven to be a vital channel for the protests, especially Twitter.
Twitter was the rallying point for the protests. It has also become the official channel for communication since the demonstration began.
Evidence provided by users of the platform has also helped discredit the government’s claim to record zero casualties after Tuesday night’s shooting.
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