The Government of the UK demands that judicial panels “investigate all incidents” that took place at the Lekki toll gate.
This came from the UK High Commission in Nigeria’s Twitter official handle, stating that everyone responsible for the deaths of the protesters must be accountable for their crimes.
The High Commission tweeted, “We remain concerned by acts of looting & violence in Flag of Nigeria & urge security services use restraint as order is restored.
“Working with all stakeholders, judicial panels of inquiry must investigate all incidents, including #Lekki, & ensure accountability for crimes.”
We remain concerned by acts of looting & violence in 🇳🇬 & urge security services use restraint as order is restored. Working with all stakeholders, judicial panels of inquiry must investigate all incidents, including #Lekki, & ensure accountability for crimes. #EndPoliceBrutality
— UK in Nigeria🇬🇧 (@UKinNigeria) October 26, 2020
#Lekki Massacre
For weeks Nigerian youths took to the streets to protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a rogue police unit, infamous for extortion and extrajudicial killings.
Despite the announcement of the dissolution of the unit by the police Inspector General, Mohammed Adamu, the protest continued to rage, as Nigerians say that the disbandment does not end the brutality meted on the people by the police force.
Last Tuesday, armed military officers opened deadly shot on protesters, killing and injuring a number of those present at the protest ground.
There have also been calls from international figures like US Democratic Presidential nominee, Joe Biden; singers/songwriters Beyonce and Rihanna; and former US presidential candidate Hilary Clinton; to cease the attacks on peaceful protesters.
The Nigerian Army has denied any involvement in the massacre that occurred at the Lekki toll gate, stating that it was the work of “detractors” and people who are trying to push a “massive propaganda” to smear the Nigerian Army.