The US has condemned the shooting of citizens protesting against police brutality in Lagos state.
In what is being popularly called the #Lekki toll gate massacre, on Tuesday night, soldiers opened fire at protesters at the Lekki tollgate. The shooting occurred at about 7pm, after the Lagos government announced the postponement of the commencement of a 24-hour curfew from 4pm to 9pm.
A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, paid a visit to some of the victims on Wednesday and said there were no fatalities in the shooting — a claim that has become controversial.
However, Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, said there were casualties.
In a tweet on Thursday, Mike Pompeo, US secretary of state (pictured), said all those involved in the shooting should be prosecuted.
“The United States strongly condemns incidents of military forces firing on unarmed protestors in Lagos. Those involved should be held to account under the law,” Pompeo tweeted.
“We extend our condolences to the victims of the violence and their families. #EndSARS.”
Before the shooting, the protesters refused to leave the streets in many cities across the country even after the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) was scrapped by Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP).
The protesters said their demands, including release of all protesters and prosecution of all police officers who have killed citizens extra-judicially, must be met before they leave the streets.
