By George Aluo
The United States of America (USA) has officially reacted to the ongoing EndSars protests in Nigeria, even as she called for the Tuesday night shooting at Lekki, Lagos to be investigated.
The Department of State in a statement strongly condemned the use of excessive force to stop the protests.
Below is the release from the office of the Spokesperson…
“The United States strongly condemns the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos, causing death and injury. We welcome an immediate investigation into any use of excessive force by members of the security forces. Those involved should be held to account in accordance with Nigerian law.
The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles. We call on the security services to show maximum restraint and respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful. We extend our condolences to the victims of the violence and their families.”
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court(ICC) has called for restraints over use of excessive force by security forces against #EndSARS protesters.
The court said it has received reports of crimes during #EndSARS demonstrations across the country.
ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, disclosed this in a statement posted on the agency’s Twitter handle.
She noted that the court is monitoring developments from the # EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
Bensouda said ‘My office has been closely following the events around the current protests in Nigeria and the reaction of Nigeria ’ s law enforcement and security agencies.’
‘Any loss of life and injury is concerning. We have received information alleging crimes and are keeping a close eye on developments, in case violence escalates and any indications arise that Rome Statute crimes may have been committed. I call for calm and restraint.’
