The United Nations, European Union, former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have all condemned the escalation of violence that trailed the EndSARS protests across the country, resulting in killings and destruction of properties.
In separate statements, they urged the Nigerian authorities to investigate these incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.
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A statement on Wednesday by Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, urged the security forces to act with maximum restraint while calling on protestors to demonstrate peacefully and to refrain from violence.
The statement said, “The Secretary-General is following recent developments in Nigeria and calls for an end to reported police brutality and abuses.
“He condemns the violent escalation on 20 October in Lagos which resulted in multiple deaths and caused many injuries.
“He expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He calls on the Nigerian authorities to investigate these incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The Secretary-General urges the security forces to act at all times with maximum restraint while calling on protestors to demonstrate peacefully and to refrain from violence.
“The Secretary-General encourages the authorities to swiftly explore avenues to de-escalate the situation. He reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to support national efforts towards finding a solution.”
“Bring Perpetrators to Book”
Also, the European Union described as alarming the killings of dozens of EndSARS protesters across Nigeria and urged that the perpetrators be held accountable.
In a statement by the EU High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, the union said “It is alarming to learn that several people have been killed and injured during the ongoing protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Nigeria.
“It is crucial that those responsible of abuses be brought to justice and held accountable.
“Following the Government’s will to deliver on reforms, we expect to see decisive implementation.”
“Cease Fire on Protesters”
A former U.S. Vice President and presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, Joe Biden urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian military to cease the violent crackdown on the EndSARS protesters.
Biden, in a statement, said, “The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy.”
He also asked the federal government to “engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria.”
Hillary Clinton, former US secretary of state, in a Twitter post, asked the security forces to stop the killing of the protesters.
“I’m calling on @mbuhari and the @hqnigerianarmy to stop killing young #EndSARS protesters,” she tweeted.
