- PDP condemns massacre of young Nigerians in Lekki
- Killing defenceless youths is wrong -Saraki
- Fire outbreak at GTB branch in Lekki
- Those behind killing of #ENDSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate‘ll pay, Fani-Kayode vows
- African Bar Association to file criminal complaints against FG
- Sanwo-Olu Orders Investigation Into Lekki Shooting
- NBC Reminds Broadcast Stations Of Rules On Coverage Of Crisis
Ibe Pascal Arogorn
Heavy gunshots were heard at the Lekki tollgate area of Lagos State on Tuesday as soldiers reportedly opened fire on #EndSARS protesters .
Six persons were feared dead in the attack while many injured victims have been rushed to nearby hospitals.
An eyewitness , Samuel Ajani , told The PUNCH that many protesters were injured .
Ajani noted that the shooting caused pandemonium as protesters scampered to safety.
He said , “ They shot at us . They initially started shooting into the air . We were all scared but some people told us not to run . We then surrounded ourselves in clusters.
“ Their faces were covered . We did not know that that was their plan when they put off the light . They forgot that we have our phones and can stream live. Some people ran away but others stood. I hid behind a cemented barricade .
“ They shot a guy right in front of me . The guy wanted to bend when the gunshot hit him . He started bleeding. Later we rushed to save him but he stopped breathing. ”
Also , videos of continuous gunshots had gone viral on social media.
Global human rights organisation, Amnesty International , condemned the attack , saying the “ excessive use of force ” occasioned “ deaths of protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos ” .
“ While we continue to investigate the killings , Amnesty International wishes to remind the authorities that under international law , security forces may only resort to the use of lethal force when strictly unavoidable to protect against imminent threat of death or serious injury , ” it added .
The state governor , Babajide Sanwo- Olu, had declared a 24-hour curfew , citing the violence that greeted the #EndSARS protest in the state.
Some of the protesters , who claimed that the timing was short, refused to vacate the protest ground .
Photos bellow:
Over 80,000 sign petition asking UK to sanction FG
A petition asking the United Kingdom to sanction the members of the Nigerian government and police force for human rights abuses over the #EndSARS movement has been signed by 83, 719 individuals .
This was as of 12. 51am on Wednesday when our correspondent visited the petition page .
The petition, which was created by one Silas Ojo , seeks to generate 100, 000 signatures .
“ At 100, 000 signatures , this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament , ” a note beneath the petition with a deadline of April 20, 2021 read .
The petition on the UK government and parliament website read , “ There have been deeply concerning reports of a Nigerian police force unit ( SARS ) engaging in illegal activities and human rights abuses, and there have also been reports of police firing at protestors calling for SARS to be disbanded.
“ Implement sanctions against the Nigerian Government and officials .
“ The Government should explore using the new sanctions regime that allows individuals and entities that violate human rights around the world to be targeted , to impose sanctions on members of the Nigerian government and police force involved in any human rights abuses by the Nigerian police.
“ Deploying sanctions would provide accountability for and be a deterrent to anyone involved in violations of human rights. ”
Nigerians, especially the youths, have taken to the streets in protest over violations of human right and extrajudicial killing by Police personnel, specifically those of the defunct State Anti – Robbery Squad
‘Stop killing young protesters’ — Hillary Clinton tackles Buhari
Hillary Clinton, former US secretary of state, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the killing of #EndSARS protesters.
In a tweet on Tuesday night, Clinton lent her voice in support of those who had condemned the action of the soldiers.
“I’m calling on @mbuhari and the @hqnigerianarmy to stop killing young #EndSARS protesters,” she tweeted.
PDP condemns massacre of young Nigerians in Lekki
The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the killing of peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate , Lagos and other parts of the country by security forces .
The condemnation was contained in a statement titled “ EndSARS- Lekki Massacre, ” signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary , Kola Ologbondiyan, late on Tuesday.
Ologbodiyan said , “ The Peoples Democratic Party , condemns in very strong terms , the killing of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos as well as other parts of our country .
“ It is shocking that security agents and, in some cases , thugs , were reportedly deployed to end the lives of promising Nigerians . This , to say the least , is saddening .
“ Those responsible for the heinous murder of the innocent and harmless Nigerians must account for their nefarious acts .
“ The PDP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately direct an end to these wanton killings across our nation .
“We invite the International Criminal Court , to bring all those responsible for the needless death of these very young Nigerians.”
Killing defenceless youths is wrong -Saraki
Immediate Past President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki , has condemned the shooting of Nigerians during a protest at Lekki toll gate on Tuesday.
He made this known in a post on his verified social media handles .
The former Kwara State governor cautioned that “ Killing our defenceless youth is wrong — regardless of the circumstance” .
He warned that Nigeria is killing its future by killing youths.
He said , “ I have watched with horror the use of force against the Lekki #EndSARS protesters . My heart bleeds for the country. It is sad and disheartening that this is happening . These are peaceful youth protesting to express legitimate concerns. It is unacceptable for any Government to turn its weapons on its own young people. What has happened in Lekki tonight is nothing but a massacre.
“ This shooting must stop immediately and the security agents that carried out this exercise should be ordered to stop. No life of any Nigerian youth taking part in a peaceful protest deserves to be taken.
“ This is not the Nigeria that we hope to leave for the next generation. Our young people are the future of our country . This is not the Nigeria we have worked for , strived for , prayed for , and have sacrificed for . ”
He appealed to the government to put an end to the shooting of protesters by security agents .
Saraki added , “ Dialogue is the only logical option in the current situation and not violence. Dialogue may take a longer time to work and it may appear frustrating . However, as a leading member in the comity of nations , the violent silencing of protesting youths cannot be an option for Nigeria .
“ We need to exercise great patience , restraint , and compassion in handling the demands of these youth.
“ Killing our defenceless youth is wrong — regardless of the circumstance. Killing our children our youth is also killing our future as a nation . We must take a quick walk back from this . We must do all that is necessary to protect and engage with the youth on all issues. Let the shooting stop and let fruitful dialogue commence.
“ Mr . President , this is what needs to be done . I appeal to you to do the right thing . ”
Fire outbreak at GTB branch in Lekki
A branch of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in the Lekki area of Lagos state was set ablaze on Tuesday night.
According to a resident, fire broke out at the bank situated on Admiralty Way in the highbrow area of the state around some minutes past 9pm.
The incident happened after soldiers shot some #EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate.
There was also a fire out break at the toll plaza on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge
It is unclear those who are responsible for the incident but Lagos recorded widespread violence on Tuesday.
At least five police stations were set on fire across the state within 18 hours.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor, had to impose a 24-hour curfew but protesters still refused to leave the streets.
The authorities are yet to react to the inferno at the commercial bank.
Those behind killing of #ENDSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate‘ll pay, Fani-Kayode vows
Following the death of six and scores of injured Nigerian youths, allegedly shot at by the Nigerian army, former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has vowed to take the case up, saying that those behind the dastardly act would pay dearly.
The fearless Femi wept bitterly over the lost of many lives and events enveloping in the country, as he goes spiritual asking God to have mercy on Nigeria.
However, for about thirteen days now, Nigerian youths have taken to the streets, campaigning against police brutality, bad governance, extra judicial killings and maltreatment by the operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Sqaud, SARS.
With their laudable demonstrations, the federal government through the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, dissolved the activities of the police unit.
Not satisfied with the dissolution, Youths continued with their demonstrations, demanding for Police reformation, outright change in Nigeria political, social, economical and otherwise system in the country.
Fast forward to 20-10-2020, hoodlums infiltrated the #ENDSARS protesters and caused havoc, burning police stations and killing innocent Nigerians.
Intervening, the Lagos state government imposed twenty four hours curfew, and banned further protests in the state.
Rising against the order of the state, #ENDSARS protesters cited section 39, sub section 1 of the 1999 constitution as amended, which guarantees freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
Holding on that #ENDSARS protesters converged at Lekki Toll Gate where they usually demonstrate and were mercilessly shot at by Nigerian soldiers.
Recording deaths and injuries, Fani-Kayode opined:
“God have mercy on our people and on our nation. Those behind this great evil WILL pay! They will be brought to swift and savage justice! I SWEAR it before man and God.”
African Bar Association to file criminal complaints against FG
The African Bar Association has said it would immediately file criminal complaints against the Federal Government before international bodies over the shooting of peaceful protesters in Lagos.
While frowning on the shooting of unarmed protesters by soldiers, Tuesday, the body said it would call for an international inquiry into the matter.
The association said this in a statement by its President, Hannibal Uwaifo.
According to the statement: “the African Bar Association is deeply saddened by the actions of the Nigerian Government in drafting Soldiers to forcefully suppress the ongoing #ENDSARS protest in the country.
“This devilish action which has resulted in the killings and maiming of unarmed peaceful protesters in Lagos is not only a violation of international law but constitutes criminal acts for which those responsible will be held accountable in due course.
“The African Bar Association is totally disappointed in the government of Nigeria who instead of wholly addressing the germane issues raised by the protesting youths chose to adopt Gestapo tactics infiltrating the ranks of peaceful protesters with hired mercenaries and thugs who attacked the protesters in order to create a scene of chaos.
“The African Bar Association will immediately file formal Criminal complaints before appropriate international bodies to open an international inquiry into the irresponsible behaviour of the Nigerian government masquerading as a democracy.”
Sanwo-Olu Orders Investigation Into Lekki Shooting
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered investigation into Tuesday evening’s shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza area of the State.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said there had been reports of shooting at the Lekki Toll Plaza, following the 24-hour curfew imposed on Lagos State to stop criminals who hid under the #EndSARS protests to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.
“The State Government has ordered an investigation into the incident.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish,” the statement said.
The statement quoted Sanwo-Olu as advising Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who had hijacked the noble protest of gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning the State upside down.
“The Governor will do everything within his power to ensure that the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times,” the statement said.
NBC Reminds Broadcast Stations Of Rules On Coverage Of Crisis
As the #EndSARS protest continues in the country, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has reminded broadcast stations in the country of the rules on coverage of crisis.
The management of the NBC, in a statement issued in Abuja, however, said it monitored with keen interest, the coverage and reportage of the on-going protest on the #EndSARS campaign and noted that broadcasters have so far been conscious of their role as gatekeepers and the fourth estate of the realm.
“In specific terms, the commission enjoined broadcasters to take definite note of the following provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to further guide their broadcast during this
challenging time:
“1.3.3 Broadcast technology enables the broadcaster to bring information on issues of concern to the audience with immediacy. In the event of a crisis, the advantages of broadcast technologies may be used, but not in a manner to aggravate the situation or adversely affect those emotionally involved;
“5.4.1 (b) At all times, ensure that the coverage of a disaster or crisis is aimed at the overall public interest, guidance and safety;
“5.4.3 In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality; and
“5.6.2 The broadcaster shall approach with restraints, the use of materials from user generated sources in order not to embarrass individuals, organisations, government or cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society at large,” the NBC said.
The NBC further reiterated that broadcasters have a duty to promote the corporate existence of Nigeria, and the socio-economic well-being of the Nigerian State.
“The Commission urges all broadcasters to continue to provide efficient, professional and comprehensive service to the people based on national objectives and aspirations,” the NBC also said.
