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Demonstrators from Nigeria’s End SARS remained in the streets of Lagos on Wednesday in defiance of the police curfew, as the state governor confirmed that the person had been killed during the demonstrations.
Witnesses and the human rights group Amnesty International reported deaths among protesters after shooting on Tuesday.
Protests have been held in Nigeria under the slogan #EndSARS after images were circulated showing a man being beaten, apparently by police officers from the Special Anti-Theft Squad, which the authorities have since disbanded.
UK Foreign Secretary ‘deeply concerned’
The UK Foreign Secretary has said he is “alarmed” and “deeply concerned” by the shooting at protesters in Lagos.
In a statement, Dominic Raab said: “I am deeply concerned by the recent violence and continuing clashes in Nigeria, and am alarmed by the widespread reports of civilian deaths.
“We ask for an end to violence. The Nigerian government must urgently investigate reports of brutality at the hands of the security forces and hold those responsible to account. ”
Chris Baynes21 October 2020 18:28
UN secretary general calls for an end to police brutality after ‘multiple deaths’
The United Nations Secretary-General has condemned the “violent escalation” in Lagos, which he said has caused “multiple deaths” and “many injuries”.
Antonio Guterres called for “an end to allegations of police brutality and abuse” in Nigeria, an investigation into the shooting of protesters and that the perpetrators be held accountable.
A spokesperson added: “The secretary general urges the security forces to act with the utmost restraint at all times, while calling on the protesters to demonstrate peacefully and refrain from violence.
“The Secretary General encourages the authorities to quickly explore ways to alleviate the situation. It reiterates the willingness of the United Nations to support national efforts to find a solution ”.
Chris Baynes21 October 2020 16:43
Protesters demonstrate in front of the Nigerian embassy in London
Protesters have gathered in front of the Nigerian High Commission in London, in a sign of the global outrage sparked by the shootings in Lagos.
Calls to “End SARS” echoed on the streets of the UK capital as protesters marched in solidarity with those protesting against police brutality in Nigeria.
A protester holds up a flag stained with fake blood during a demonstration outside the Nigerian High Commission in London AFP via Getty
Protesters march through Great Scotland Yard in London in solidarity with End SARS protesters in Nigeria AFP via Getty
Some of those present at the rally held signs echoing calls by Nigerian protesters to “End SARS” AFP via Getty
Liam James21 October 2020 16:08
Lagos Governor Suggests ‘Criminal Elements’ Led To Shooting
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, suggested that “criminal elements” were to blame for the violent turn of events in Nigeria yesterday.
In closing remarks to a televised address on the violence on Tuesday, the governor said earlier peaceful protests “took a different turn” as “criminal elements took advantage” of the orders he claimed were given to the police in do not resort to shooting.
It was not clear from the governor’s comments whether he believed that the criminal elements were among the police or the protesters, although he announced earlier that the actions of the military in Lagos would be investigated.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressed the violence in a televised speech today TV channels
Liam James21 October 2020 15:32
Biden Urges President Buhari To “End Violent Repression”
US presidential candidate Joe Biden called on Nigerian President Muhammed Buhari to end the “violent crackdown” on protesters in Lagos.
The former vice president said the United States must support the protesters while encouraging the Nigerian government to work in “good faith” to address the situation with the most prominent intervention by a foreign politician yet.
In a statement, Mr Biden said: “I urge President Buhari and the Nigerian Army to end the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria, which has already led to several deaths. My heart goes out to all those who have lost a be loved in violence. ”
“The United States must support Nigerians who are peacefully protesting 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 longstanding complaints and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria ”.
Liam James21 October 2020 15:15
Man United forward Ighalo leads emotional response to shootings
Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has spoken out against the government in his home country of Nigeria after authorities pointed their guns at protesters in Lagos.
In a video posted on Twitter, the Lagos-born forward called the Nigerian government “an embarrassment to the world” for its handling of the protests.
Other sports stars, including boxer Anthony Joshua and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli, both of Nigerian descent, also shared their dismay at the events unfolding in Lagos.
Liam James21 October 2020 14:33
What is SARS and why do people protest against the police?
Protests against police brutality have continued in Nigeria since a video was distributed that appeared to show a man being beaten by officers from the specialized SARS unit.
Over the past fortnight, thousands of young protesters have marched in Nigerian cities with banners reading: “#EndSARS.”
Our reporter Samuel Osborne explains the role SARS has played in Nigeria over the years:
Liam James21 October 2020 13:20
Protesters burn barricade near Lekki tollbooth
As protests continue near the site of yesterday’s shooting, protesters set fire to a barricade in the middle of the road.
Police have also erected barricades in their attempt to enforce the curfew imposed in the wake of protests to end SARS.
A building near the Lekki tollbooth was also seen burning, although it was unclear what caused the fire.
Burning barricade set afire by protesters against police brutality in Lagos today AP
A burning building near the Lekki tollbooth in Lagos today AFP / Getty
Liam James21 October 2020 13:14
Nigerian Army Calls ‘FAKE NEWS’ About Shooting Reports
The Nigerian military rejected claims that its officers opened fire on protesters in Lagos, claiming that there were no soldiers at the scene.
In a series of posts on Twitter, the Nigerian army’s official account called various stories reporting that soldiers opened fire as “FAKE NEWS.”
One post said that “there were no soldiers at the scene.”
It is not unusual for the Nigerian military to dismiss the news in this way.
Liam James21 October 2020 13:03
Tear gas when police detain a protester
The police have used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the protesters breaking the curfew in Lagos.
Several protesters set up barricades at the Lekki toll plaza, where soldiers opened fire last night. This morning there were reports of new shootings.
Protesters are seen by the Lekki tollbooth in Lagos as police fire tear gas AP
A police officer kicks an arrested protester by the Lekki toll gate in Lagos this morning AP
Liam James21 October 2020 12:25
