JUST IN: #EndSARS: UN Condemns Killings

…Urges Buhari To De-escalate Situation

The United Nations (UN) has strongly condemned the deaths, attacks and abuses recorded following the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, especially the happenings in Lagos in last 24 hours.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, published on its website.

“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 statement partly read.

It also urged “the security forces to act at all times with maximum restraint while calling on protestors to demonstrate peacefully and to refrain from violence.”

UN added that the federal government should douse the tension while assuring of its support to end the menace.

“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,” it stated.

On its part, the federal government had promised to listen to the yearnings of Nigerians.

The Nigeria Police Force had disbanded it’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad following criticisms by Nigerians.