Lekki shootings: We need investigation, says US govt
- The US government has given its voice against the alleged use of force by soldiers and security forces on EndSARS protesters in Lekki, Lagos
- Michael Pompeo, the US secretary of state, on Thursday, October 22, called for an investigation into the development
- Pompeo urged the Nigerian military to respect the right of citizens to carry out peaceful demonstrations
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Just like the international community, the government of the United States (US) has decried the alleged use of force by security personnel on unarmed protesters in the Lekki shooting that ensued on Tuesday, October 20.
In a statement on Thursday, October 22, the secretary of state, Michael Pompeo, called for justice on soldiers who brutalised EndSARS protesters during the rally, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Pompeo said that the US will welcome any thorough investigation into the tragic development that reportedly led to the death and injuries of protesters.
Source: UGC
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He said:
“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 US secretary of state noted that peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights entrenched in any democratic setting.
He went on to urge security forces and the military to apply caution and “respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful."
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On behalf of the US, Pompeo extended heartfelt condolences to victims of the sad incident and their families.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lifted the lids on the alleged removal of the CCTV camera prior to the toll gate incident.
The Lagos state governor stated that "nobody ordered" the removal of the camera and turning off the light contrary to the circulation on the social media.
Sanwo-Olu said there was the security of LCC on the ground and added that what looked like a camera are "necessary installation" removed due to 24-hour curfew imposed on the state over repeated attacks of hoodlums.
He said:
"That camera you saw is not a security and CCTV camera. That camera is not a motion camera, It is a nasal camera for vehicles. What the camera removed does is to pick the tag and number plate when you approach in the fast track lane.
"It is not a camera for human beings but an infrared camera. Security cameras are still available. These are some of the footages we are going to use for our own investigation."
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