• Friday, March 29, 2024
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US condemns Lekki killings, welcomes immediate investigation

US condemns Lekki killings, welcomes immediate investigation

The United States joined the rest of the world on Thursday to condemn the killings of unarmed protesters by the Nigerian security forces at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday.

The statement released by the US Department of State and signed by the Secretary, Michael R. Pompeo said the US does not support the excessive force by the Nigerian military and thus called on the authority to prosecute the perpetrators of the killings.

“The US strongly condemns the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos, causing death and injury,” the US Department of State said, adding that it welcomes “an immediate investigation into any use of excessive force by members of the security forces.”

Videos and graphic scenes from an eye witness and protesters show that security forces dressed in Nigerian army uniform opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest city on Tuesday night.

According to the statement by the US as seen by BusinessDay, those involved should be held to account in accordance with Nigerian law.

READ ALSO: #EndSARS: PDP Reps want Buhari to arrest Lekki killers, sack service chiefs

The US said this is because “the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles.”

It therefore call on the security services to show maximum restraint and respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful. “We extend our condolences to the victims of the violence and their families,” it sympathized.

The statement by the US is coming days after the former US secretary of states, Hilary Clinton, condemned the same issue as she called out President Buhari and the military to put an end to the killings.

Also, the former US Vice President Joe Biden, who is Trump’s strongest contender in the November 3 election, released a statement Tuesday urging President Muhammadu Buhari and his military forces “to cease the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria, which has already resulted in several deaths.”

While advising the US citizens in Lagos State to respect the ongoing 24-hour, round the clock curfew, the US Department of State said demonstrations continue across Nigeria, explaining that some protests have become violent, as there have been incidents of property destruction.
“There are also reports of increases in security force presence and intervention in multiple locations throughout the country, including Abuja, Lagos, and other major cities.