#EndSARS: UK asks Nigerian govt to probe attack on protesters NEWS

Navigation: Home > News > NEWS > #EndSARS: UK asks Nigerian govt to probe attack on protesters

#EndSARS: UK asks Nigerian govt to probe attack on protesters

By AdvocateNews on 22/10/2020

The British Foreign Secretary Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, Dominic Raab, called on the Nigerian government to immediately probe the killing of End SARS protesters by soldiers.

Raab said this in a tweet on Wednesday moments after the Lekki tollgate incident was discussed at the parliament.

He tweeted, “I am deeply concerned by the violence in Nigeria, including widespread reports of civilian deaths. We call for an end to all violence. The Nigerian government must urgently investigate reports of brutality by its security forces and hold those responsible to account.”

Also, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, also called on the government to restore calm.

Laing in a statement published on the UK high commission’s Twitter handle on Wednesday, said she and her team were updating the UK government on the happenings in the country.

Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has warned Britons against all but essential international travel to Nigeria.

The office in its updated travel advice published on its website on Wednesday, said, “Additionally, if you’re already in Nigeria you should be aware of our pre-existing advice within the country, unrelated to COVID-19.”

US alerts citizens, extends closure of consulate in Lagos

The United States Mission to Nigeria has extended the closure of its consulate in Lagos following the violence in Lagos on Tuesday.

The mission further advised US citizens staying in Lagos to obey the curfew imposed by the Lagos State Government and to remain vigilant and avoid demonstration areas.

As a result of the ongoing 24-hour curfew, the mission explained that the Consulate General in Lagos, including the consular section, remained closed to the public.

In its second travel warning issued within 24 hours, the embassy noted that the protests in parts of the country had become violent, and there have been incidents of property destruction.

Also, the UK has shut down its visa application centres in Nigeria

The UK made this known in a statement on its website.

The statement was titled, ‘Important: closure of our visa application centre’.

The statement read, “Due to the ongoing protest in Nigeria and for the safety of both staff and applicants, our Nigeria centres will be closed for 48 hours at a minimum.

“For applicants with booked appointments within this period, please you will need to reschedule your appointment for next week, from 26th October 2020.

Withdraw troops, NLC, HRW advises military

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch and the Nigeria Labour Congress havevcriticised the killing of #EndSARS protesters.

The two organisations in separate statements on Wednesday called for an investigation into the incident and asked the military authorities to immediately withdraw the troops from the streets.

The statement by Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch, Aniete Ewang, demanded an investigation into the shooting and prosecution of personnel involved in the dastardly act.

In its statement titled, ‘The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns the Lekki toll gate killings,’ the congress insisted that the protesters had the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by section 40 of Nigeria’s Constitution, the United Nations Universal Declarations on Human Rights, the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and other relevant international conventions.

It described the use of live bullets to suppress, harm and kill peaceful protesters as a crime against the people which it said must be roundly condemned by all patriots and lovers of democracy.

The statement signed by NLC President, Ayuba Wabba and Secretary General, Musa Lawal, commended the maturity and focus displayed by the protesters.

UN rights chief flays killings

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet also called for what she called root and branch reform of the security forces in the country.

She condemned the use of excessive and disproportionate force by security forces in Lagos State on Tuesday.

Bachelet stated this in a statement titled, ‘Nigeria: Bachelet condemns army killings, calls for “root and branch” reform of the security forces,’ noted.

Posted 22/10/2020 05:20:08 AM

Share on Tweet

NEWS IN PICTURES

USEFUL LINKS

SECTIONS

CONTACT