Amid overwhelming reports and claims by various bodies and
media organisations, including Amnesty International and the U.S.-based Cable
News Network, the United States government says it does not believe soldiers
shot at protesters at the Lekki Tollgate.
The U.S. view is contained in its
newly-released ‘2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria.’
It said, “On October 20, members
of the security forces enforced curfew by firing shots into the air to disperse
protesters, who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to protest abusive
practices by the Nigerian Police Force’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“Accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at year’s end. Amnesty International reported 10 persons died during the event, but the government disputed Amnesty’s report, and no other organisation was able to verify the claim.
“The government reported two
deaths connected to the event. One body from the toll gate showed signs of
blunt force trauma. A second body from another location in Lagos State had
bullet wounds. The government acknowledged that soldiers armed with live
ammunition were present at the Lekki Tollgate.
“At year’s end the Lagos State
Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution continued to hear testimony and
investigate the shooting at Lekki Tollgate.”
Washington’s position, under
President Joe Biden’s administration, did not reflect the view of
then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The Voice of America reported on
October 22 that the U.S. condemned police brutality at Lekki, two days after at
least 12 protesters were shot dead by Nigerian security forces.
Mr Pompeo had 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.”
Following that, the U.S. sent a
delegation to Nigeria with Counselor Ulrich Brechbühl meeting with Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo.
“The counsellor expressed the
U.S. condemnation of the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on
unarmed demonstrators in Lagos. He expressed condolences to the victims of
these shootings and urged the government of Nigeria to abide by its commitment
to hold those responsible accountable under the law,” a statement by the State
Department had said.
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