BEVERLY HILLS, October 22, (THEWILL) – The African Union, AU has condemned the killing of unarmed protesters in Lagos
A statement on Thursday by the Chairperson of the Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the violence that “erupted on 20 October 2020 during protests in Lagos, Nigeria that has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.”
Mahamat appealed to “all political and social actors to reject the use of violence, respect human rights and the rule of law.”
Amnesty International said at least 12 people were killed by the Nigerian army and police in two locations in Lagos on Tuesday in a deadly crackdown on #EndSARS protesters.
At least, 56 people have died across the country since the protests began on October 8, with about 38 killed nationwide on Tuesday alone, according to Amnesty.
Human Rights Watch also corroborated reports that the Nigerian army had opened fire on protesters Tuesday in “a shooting spree”.
The use of lethal force by security forces drew international condemnation, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet saying reports suggested it could have been premeditated.
The Nigerian army has on Twitter called reports of soldiers firing on protesters “fake news”.
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