Gulf News

Nigeria in shock after deadly shooting of peaceful protesters

Several people killed by security forces, Amnesty Internatio­nal says

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Nigerians were in shock yesterday after a deadly shooting of peaceful protesters in the biggest city Lagos that Amnesty Internatio­nal blamed on security forces.

There was no immediate death toll from the incident on Tuesday evening in which witnesses said armed gunmen opened fire on a crowd of over 1,000 people to disperse them after a curfew was imposed to end spiralling protests over police brutality.

Sporadic gunshots could be still be heard in Lagos yesterday morning.

Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu said 25 people were wounded, with two receiving intensive care, as local authoritie­s vowed to investigat­e.

“This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history,” Sanwo- Olu said on Twitter, releasing pictures of him visiting hospitals.

“I recognise the buck stops at my table and I will work with the FG ( federal government) to get to the root of

This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved tomake dark notes in our history.”

Sanwo- Olu | Lagos state governor

this unfortunat­e incident,” he added.

Fake news?

Amnesty Internatio­nal said several people were killed by security forces and that they were “working on verifying” the death toll. The Nigerian army did not issue a direct statement, but labelled reports of soldiers shooting on protesters as “fake news” on Twitter.

Anger over abuses by the police’s loathed Special Anti- Robbery Squad ( SARS) erupted into widespread protests about two weeks ago, drawing thousands of people on to the streets.

Sanwo- Olu had announced an indefinite curfew from Tuesday afternoon across Africa’s largest city after claiming the demonstrat­ions had been hijacked by criminals.

The police chief also ordered anti- riot units to be deployed around the country

 ?? AP ?? People protesting against police brutality burn barricades in Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday.
AP People protesting against police brutality burn barricades in Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday.
 ?? AP ?? A protester who lost his brother to a stray bullet speaks to media persons near Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria.
AP A protester who lost his brother to a stray bullet speaks to media persons near Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria.

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