Nigerian protests increase after deadly crackdown by security forces

At least 12 people were killed by the Nigerian army and police in two locations in Lagos on Tuesday in a deadly crackdown on protests, Amnesty International said.

Peaceful protesters had rallied despite the imposed curfew to end spiraling protests over police brutality and deep-seated social grievances.

“Evidence collected from eyewitnesses, video images and hospital reports confirm that between 6:45 pm (1745 GMT) and 9:00 pm (2000 GMT) on Tuesday, October 20, the Nigerian military opened fire on thousands of people, “Amnesty said in a statement.

At first, the governor of Lagos insisted that no fatalities had been recorded, but later said authorities were investigating the death of a person as a result of “blunt force trauma to the head.”

He said that at least 25 people were injured.

Protester Paul Sunday, who was at the scene, told AFP that the men who fired at the crowd were wearing army masks and uniforms.

“They attacked us from behind and from the front,” he said. “They arrived around 7 in the afternoon when everything is dark.”

Images and videos showing scenes of chaos after the shooting were widely shared on social media.

The shooting sparked international condemnation, and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said reports suggested it may have been premeditated.

“There is little doubt that this was a case of excessive use of force, which resulted in unlawful killings with live ammunition, by the Nigerian armed forces,” he said.

“Reports that CCTV cameras and lighting were deliberately turned off prior to the shooting are all the more disturbing as, if confirmed, suggest that this deplorable attack on peaceful protesters was premeditated, planned and coordinated.”

Human Rights Watch corroborated reports that the Nigerian army had opened fire on the crowd in “a wave of gunfire.”

“The authorities should immediately remove the military from the streets,” said Anietie Ewang, a Nigerian researcher for the human rights group.

The Nigerian military did not respond to AFP requests for comment, but on Twitter called the reports of soldiers firing at protesters as “fake news.”

The West African ECOWAS bloc called on the Nigerian government, its youth and civil society to “urgently seek dialogue for an early and amicable resolution of this social unrest and maintain Nigeria’s image as a bastion of law. and order “.

Nana Akufo-Addo, president of ECOWAS and president of neighboring Ghana, said in a statement that she had spoken with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who had “started the processes that will lead to reform.”

‘Hell’

The center of Lagos, a sprawling city that is home to 20 million people, was largely deserted and shops closed on Wednesday under a curfew.

An AFP journalist said that several buildings were set on fire around the area of ​​the shooting and traces of the violence (broken glass, shattered banners) could be seen.

Some people were wandering around, but the Lekki Toll Gate protest hotspot had been emptied, only graffiti remaining denouncing police violence and bad governance.

A dozen heavily armed soldiers and policemen patrolled nearby.

In another district, a bus station caught fire and there were sporadic clashes between young people throwing bottles and the police, who occasionally fired into the air.

A television station linked to one of the most powerful politicians in the ruling party was also set on fire.

Concerned about the escalation of violence reported Wednesday in a number of cities, including Lagos, the International Committee of the Red Cross called for restraint.

“It is of utmost importance that first responders and ambulances are respected by all, so that they can reach injured people safely,” said Eloi Fillion, head of the ICRC delegation in Nigeria.

In a television broadcast, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ordered that all “state activities” in the city stop for three days.

He said he had called for an investigation into “the rules of engagement employed by the Nigerian army men who were deployed” at the scene during Tuesday’s shooting.

“The soldiers clearly had one intention: to kill without consequence,” said Osai Ojigho, Country Director for Amnesty International Nigeria.

‘Indefinite curfew’

At least 56 people have died across the country since the protests began on October 8, with around 38 dead on Tuesday alone, according to Amnesty.

President Buhari had yet to directly address Tuesday’s incident, but in a statement on the protests, the presidency said it had called for “understanding and calm across the country.”

A coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria said on Wednesday they were “deeply shocked by the killing of peaceful protesters.”

“The attempt to fight for justice for police brutality has again revealed the brutal nature of the Nigerian state,” he said in a statement.

According to the group, “no fewer than 40 Nigerians have lost their lives as a result of violent attempts to suppress or disrupt ongoing protests against police brutality.”

Nigeria, where the average age is 18, is a tinderbox of deep economic and social grievances.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Wednesday he was “deeply concerned” by the violence in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government must urgently investigate reports of brutality at the hands of the security forces and hold those responsible to account,” it said in a statement.

Since Tuesday, Rihanna, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Ugandan pop star turned politician Bobi Wine and Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo added their names to a list of celebrities who have supported the protesters.

(AFP)