Lekki Shooting: US Condemns Excessive Use Of Force On Unarmed #EndSARS Protesters, Demands Prosecution
United States has strongly condemned the use of excessive force by the military authorities against peaceful demonstrators in Lekki, Lagos state.
Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, in a statement on Thursday, asked the Federal Government to hold those responsible accountable.
He said the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principle.
Pompeo, therefore, admonished the security services to show maximum restraint and respect fundamental rights. He also enjoined the demonstrators to remain peaceful.
The statement titled, ‘Ongoing protests in Nigeria’, reads in part;
The United States strongly condemns the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos, causing death and injury.
We welcome an immediate investigation into any use of excessive force by members of the security forces. Those involved should be held to account in accordance with Nigerian law
The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles.
We call on the security services to show maximum restraint and respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful. We extend our condolences to the victims of the violence and their families.
Many individuals, bodies and countries around the world have also spoken against the incident that has claimed the lives of many and left others severely injured.
