On Wednesday, October  21st, The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet condemned the killings of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.

The incident which is now being described as the Lekki Massacre took place on Tuesday, October 20th. Military officials open live rounds on peaceful protesters singing the national anthem and waving flags at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos.

 

Michelle Bachelet in a statement condemned the use of excessive force. She also called on the authorities to deal with security officials who persistently take laws into their hands.

 

Part of the statement read:

“While the number of casualties of yesterday’s shooting at the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos is still not clear, there is little doubt that this was a case of excessive use of force, resulting in unlawful killings with live ammunition, by Nigerian armed forces,” Bachelet said. “Reports that CCTV cameras and lighting were deliberately disabled prior to the  shooting are even more disturbing as, if confirmed, they suggest this deplorable attack on peaceful protestors was premeditated, planned, and coordinated.”

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“Nigeria was already at boiling point before this shooting because of the revelations about years of unchecked violence. Including alleged killings, r**e, extortion, and other violations, by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS),” the UN Human Rights Chief continued.

 

“While the authorities have now dissolved SARS and announced a series of inquiries at both Federal and State levels, there have still been few if any charges levelled against its members. Despite abundant evidence against various members of the squad, as well as members of other security forces and the army.”

 

Many Nigerians appear not to trust the inquiries and other measures that have been announced by the authorities, and have continued to take to the streets in several cities to protest. “I appreciate that the Government has taken a number of measures to address the protestors’ demands,” Bachelet said.

 

“However, the immediate creation of another elite police SWAT team to replace the SARS — without first addressing some of the root causes of police violence and putting in place sufficient safeguards to prevent future violations — has eroded the public’s trust even further. This latest terrible event in Lagos is like wantonly adding fuel to a fire that was already starting to rage out of control.”

 

Bachelet said the way to restore peace is to bring justice to those who’ve lost their lives. The UN High Chief also said the world’s attention is now focused on Nigeria and the actions of its security operatives.

 

Even though the President in his national address on Thursday, October 23rd curiously evaded mentioning the Lekki Massacre incident, citizens and international bodies continue to call for justice to be served.

 

 

 

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