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At least 12 people were killed when government forces fired on protesters during protests against police brutality in Nigeria, Amnesty International said.
On Tuesday night protesters were fired upon next to the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos, causing injuries and an unknown number of deaths.
The human rights group Amnesty has said an investigation has uncovered evidence of 12 deaths and hundreds of injuries, and accused the police and army of using excessive force.
People are seen near burning tires on Lago Street. Photo: UnEarthical, via Reuters
The protests began two weeks ago after a video circulated showing a man being beaten, apparently by police officers from the Special Anti-Theft Squad, known as SARS.
Witnesses to the scenes in Lekki on Tuesday said more than 20 officers started shooting at the protesters.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu confirmed more than 20 injuries, but said no one had died.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was “alarmed” by reports that civilians had been killed during the protests, which have attracted worldwide attention and support.
Raab said: “I am deeply concerned by the recent violence and continuing clashes in Nigeria, and alarmed by the widespread reports of civilian deaths.
“We call for an end to the violence. The Nigerian government must urgently investigate reports of brutality at the hands of the security forces and hold those responsible to account.”
Protesters defy 24-hour curfew imposed by authorities
Celebrities and politicians around the world have expressed their support for the protesters.
Beyonce made a statement on Twitter from her BeyGood charity, saying: “I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria. There must be an end to SARS.”
“To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we support them.”
Among those who have previously expressed support are Star Wars actor John Boyega and musicians such as Kanye West, Rihanna and Chance the Rapper.
Manchester United star Odion Ighalo called his country’s government “an embarrassment to the world”, while British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua tweeted: “I pray that God will open the doors to the heroes of Nigeria.”
Protests at the Nigerian High Commission in London
The protesters ignored the government’s 24-hour curfew and President Muhammadu Buhari’s call for calm to continue protesting on Wednesday.
There were reports of shootings in Nigeria’s largest city of 14 million, including on the road to the airport, at a major bus station and outside the offices of a television station.
Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka told Sky News that the atmosphere in the city was “very, very dark, very sinister.”
He said he had seen a lot of evidence and testimonies from witnesses who said the government was responsible for the shooting.
Demonstrations and shootings were also reported in several other Nigerian cities, including the capital Abuja.
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Supporters gathered at the Nigerian High Commission in London for a march in solidarity with those in Lagos.
One man told Sky News: “The army killed people, it has killed innocent protesters and it is unacceptable.”
Before the Lekki shootings, a Nigerian police statement warned that the security forces would now “exercise all the powers of the law to prevent any further attacks on the life and property of citizens.”
In a televised speech, Sanwo-Olu said he ordered an investigation into the actions of the military.
