The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed sadness over what it called the “unfortunate wastage of lives” of unarmed young Nigerians who were protesting at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.
The CAN President, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, told reporters on Thursday in Abuja that the wanton destruction of properties across the country, especially in Lagos State, is unacceptable and must stop immediately.
While also calling for calm and peace, Ayokunle, said that soldiers had no business with the peaceful protesters.
According to him, though the military had denied being responsible, despite some evidences and eyewitness accounts, their presence at the scene of the incident did not help matter.
“Whoever ordered the shooting of unarmed citizens on legitimate protest in a democracy for whatever reason has crossed the red line and has caused more pains for this nation and many parents of these young and promising Nigerians, who would have been Nigeria’s future glory.
“In very strong terms, CAN condemns the dastardly and callous act. It is a minus for our democracy and a scar to be remembered for ever. On the other hand, we appeal to all Nigerians that the arson, wanton destruction of property and infrastructure that have followed the killings, though one understands that they came out of the provocative killing, should stop,” he said.
The CAN leader said that this would further inflict pains on fellow Nigerians who are either working in those facilities or deprive them the benefits which those facilities are providing on daily basis.
He said that one of such critical facilities is the Lagos Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses which is providing ease of movement to workers and citizens on daily basis.
He said, “Ours is a special appeal as spiritual fathers, priests and prophets to the nation, for calm to allow comprehensive peaceful resolution of this situation. An adage says, ‘cutting of one’s head can never be the right medication for headache.’
“From the side of the government, let there be humility that the response to the protest by what happened on Tuesday night at Lekki tollgate was not good at all,” Ayokunle said.
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