The United States has finally broken its silence on the alleged Lekki toll called for immediate investigation into the excessive use of force by the military in Lagos in dispersing peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate
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In a statement on Thursday, The Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, in a statement on Thursday, described Tuesday’s shooting of protesters at the Lekki toll gate as barbaric and called for a thorough investigation.
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”.
