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The United States has urged the Nigerian government to immediately investigate the excessive use of force by the military in Lagos in dispersing peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday, October 20.
In a statement on Thursday, October 22, Michael Pompeo, secretary of State, in a statement on Thursday, October 22, described the shooting of protesters at the Lekki toll gate as barbaric.
Pompeo said, “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. We extend our condolences to the victims of the violence and their families.”
The statement added that peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are “essential human rights and core democratic principles” that should be respected by authorities.
The U.S government urged the security forces to exercise maximum restraint and “respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful”.
– Oct. 22, 2020 @ 6.12 GMT /
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