The International Community Condemns Lekki Toll Gate Massacre
On the night of Tuesday, October 20, 2020, over 150,000 people from different parts of the world watched live on Instagram as one of the peaceful and unarmed protesters died clinging to the Nigerian flag.
His last words were ‘peace and unity’, the last words of the first stanza of the Nigerian National Anthem.
Men of the Nigerian Army who opened fire at peaceful demonstrators stationed at the Lekki Toll Gate killed him. He was just one out of the many young and unarmed Nigerians hit by the bullets from the sporadic shooting by soldiers deployed to use brutal force to dispel the protesters who had coordinated themselves peacefully since the End SARS protests started 13 days ago.
The world now calls the event of that terrible day the ‘Lekki Massacre’ and the international community is calling on the government to stop shooting peaceful protesters.
From politicians to actors and music artistes, criticism of the Nigerian government and the use of brutal force on demonstrators have been pouring in from different parts of the world.
Last night, as the demonstrators faced possible death, former United States Secretary of States and Presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton was the first to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, asking him to order his men to stop shooting.
She tweeted, ‘I’m calling on @mbuhari and the @hqnigerianarmy to stop killing young #EndSARS protesters. #StopNigeriaGovernment’.
#EndSARS We need everyone's voice to amplify what is going on as we speak!! The world is watching https://t.co/Zk4Dg27IrU
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 20, 2020
American actress, Gabrielle Union also tweeted at the government saying, ‘#EndSARS! We need everyone’s voice to amplify what is going on as we speak!! The world is watching.”
Joe Biden also put out a statement on his website saying, ‘The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy. I encourage the government to engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria.’
Despite condemnation of the actions of the soldiers and Nigerian government from the international community and Nigerians across the globe, the killings have yet to stop. There are reports of policemen still killing unarmed Nigerians across Lagos state with video evidence.
With each minute the unrest grows, more members of the international community are condemning this barbaric act.
Rihanna, Beyonce, and Nicki Minaj have joined the growing list of celebrities who have spoken up. Politicians like Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, Matthew Pennycook and the United States presidential candidate, Joe Biden have also taken to social media to call on the Nigerian government to ask men of the armed forces to stand down.
See more comments below:
#ENDSARS 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/59lrs8JnDA
— Rihanna (@rihanna) October 20, 2020
Standing with & praying for the brave young people of Nigeria who are on the front lines of this senseless violence. Your voice is being heard. 🇳🇬 #EndSARS
— Mrs. Petty (@NICKIMINAJ) October 20, 2020
I'm deeply concerned by reports that Nigerian security forces yesterday opened fire on a crowd at the Lekki toll gate peacefully demonstrating against Special Anti-Robbery Squad brutality, extrajudicial executions and extortion. I will be writing to the Foreign Secretary #EndSARS
— Matthew Pennycook (@mtpennycook) October 21, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGmbXHABr3w/
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
