#LekkiMassacre: UN’s Guterres, Mohammed advises against violence
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for an end to police brutality and abuses in Nigeria.
Following the developments in Nigeria where peaceful protests escalated on October 20 in Lagos, Guterres has condemned the violent escalation which has resulted in multiple deaths and caused many injuries.
He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and a speedy recovery to the injured. He also calls on Nigerian authorities to investigate these incidents and hold those culpable to account.
Furthermore, he urges the security forces to act with maximum restraint while admonishing protesters to be peaceful and refrain from violence.
The Secretary-General tells the Nigerian authorities to find ways to de-escalate the current tense situation stating that the United Nations is always ready to support national efforts geared towards finding solutions.
His deputy, Nigeria’s Amina Mohammed, took to her Instagram page to condemn the attack against young Nigerians.
“The @unitednations & I are following the protests in #Nigeria calling for an end to human rights violations. I join the #UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres in stressing the importance of respect for peaceful protests & freedom of assembly & call on the security forces to exercise maximum restraint.”
