US presidential candidate Joe Biden has urged Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Nigerian military to cease “violent crackdown on protesters”.
A number of people protesting against police brutality were on Tuesday night reportedly shot dead or injured in the country’s biggest city, Lagos.
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The military has denied shooting at protesters although the Lagos state government has said at least 28 people were injured.
“My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence. The US must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy,” Biden said in a statement.
He called for dialogue between the government and the civil society “to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria”.