#EndSARS: US Lawmakers call for an independent investigation into Lekki Killings

The Congressional Black Caucus of the United States of America has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to meet the demands of the youths protesting against police brutality and extra-judicial killings, insisting that respect for human rights must be prioritized.

This was contained in a letter addressed to President Buhari, by the Congress Chair, Karen Bass, copied Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor.

The letter dated October 21, 2020 read in part, “We are particularly concerned with the documented force used by the Nigerian police and military, which resulted in the loss of lives and injured dozens of protesters like the recent events at the Lekki Tollgate on 20 October 2020.

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“We do not claim to have the answers; however, as nations work to meet the demands of their citizens, respect for human rights must be at the centre of all responses especially the operation of security forces including the police.

“As you know, we firmly believe that individual lives and dignity matter as countries cope with the current challenges they face. Certainly, the actions of the protestors matter but the burden will always be on governments to protect their citizens”.

Speaking on the demands of EndSARS protesters, the letter further read, “Nigerian citizens have made it clear that they are seeking real sustainable change, they are requesting more than renaming SARS to SWAT.  Further simply redeploying the former members of SARS will increase mistrust in the units they joined.”

The Congressional Black Caucus therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari to release all protesters who were arrested for taking part in the #EndSARS protest over the last few weeks, uphold the rights to non-violent protest and ensure the safety of protesters in accordance with the International Bill of Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended); publicly commit to allow an independent investigation into human rights abuses committed by the SARS unit and the police in general and include youth representatives voted on by the public on the Judicial Panels of Inquiry;

They also urged Buhari to allow an independent investigation of the actions that led to the killings at the Lekki Tollgate; provide Justice for the families of the victims of the recent protests against police brutality; and initiate comprehensive overall reform of the security sector, including incorporating accountability structures and the recommendation from 5of5 made by Nigerian youths.