The Endsars Movement, and the Army Shooting, Killing and Injuring of Peaceful Youth Protestors in Nigeria

Press Release Ohanaeze Ndigbo United Kingdom & N. Ireland.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK & N. Ireland received with heavy hearts and utter shock the brutal attack and killings of unarmed, law abiding and defenceless Nigerian Youths in many parts of the country involved in a peaceful protest (ENDSARS) to express their anger over the extra-judicial killings, and the general operations of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Nigeria.

We express our profound condolences to the families of these innocent and unarmed #Endsars Protesters killed in Nigeria by the Nigerian Military. We also remember all those killed extra-judicially in Nigeria over the years by SARS and police brutality with ‘utter impunity’. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

We condemn strongly the army shooting, attack and forcefully disruption of peaceful #Endsars Protest at Lekki Toll Gate on 20/10/20 in Lagos resulting in significant casualties and loss of lives. This action was the lowest moment in our history and an affront to our fundamental human rights and freedom of association as enshrined in Nigerian Constitution and the International Law on Human Right to which Nigeria is signatory to.

We fully share and support the peaceful #Endsars youths protest demanding immediate end to police brutality and request for good governance and a better society in Nigeria. We enjoin the Federal Government, the States and Local Governments and all our leaders to listen and learn and from the yearnings of the united Nigerian youths involved in this protest. This #Endsars protest has no ethnic or religious connotations. It was a spontaneous and united peaceful movement by all Nigerian youths to press for a change in the affairs of the nation. We commend and encourage their unity of purpose. No amount of power or forces can crush the determination and burning zeal in these youths in this their legitimate and long-awaited action.

At the same time, we strongly condemn the anarchy, arson, looting, rampage and wanton destruction of private properties, public utilities, institutions and facilities by hoodlums. We condemn the acts of destruction of people’s shops and looting of properties. These acts are not acceptable and negate the vision of the #Endsars movement. We call on all those involve in this reprehensible act to stop immediately any further acts of vandalism in the East, South, West and North of Nigeria. Enough is enough.

We call on the Federal Government to set up urgent judicial panel of inquiry into the army shooting and extra-judicial killings of peaceful and armless protesters and all forceful disruptions of the peaceful #Endsars protest. All security agencies must stop the use of force against the peaceful youth #Endsars protest in Nigeria. All the culprits in this dastardly, despicable and barbaric killing of innocent youth must be brought to justice. The Federal Government should set up a special fund to support the families of all those killed and maimed in the #Endsars protest across the country.

We call on the Governments at all levels in Nigeria for immediate reforms to reflect the demands of the #Endsars Movement. There are urgent need for restructuring, good governance, rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom association, preservation of fundamental human rights, equity, transparency, accountability and end of corruption in Nigeria. Nigerians have been taken for a ride for so long by the authorities and politicians and it cannot be allowed to continue unabated.

The International Community such as the UK, the USA, the EU, China, African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations and Amnesty International must prevail on Nigerian Government to stop the corruption, police brutality, scrap SARS or SWAT to ensure good governance in the country. It is important to warn that Nigeria is at the precipice of disintegration unless urgent actions are taken to stem the tide. The International Community must be fully aware of the huge and costly global implications of Nigerian implosion.

We strongly and passionately appeal to all stakeholders and leaders to work together and end this impasse in Nigeria. The time to act is now.

Signed

Dr Nnanna Igwe

President Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK & N. Ireland

Mazi Kingsley Offor (Esq.)

Secretary Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK & N. Ireland