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Lekki Massacre: soldiers intention was to murder without consequence- Amnesty
By Modupe Shodeinde
Amnesty International, a global rights group, investigating the Lekki killiings, said that the massacre was a violation of rights, and the soldiers intention was to kill without any consequence.
The group confirmed that at least 12 protesters were killed at Lekki tollgate plaza and Alausa, adding that some of the corpses were hidden by the security agents.
In a statement titled, ‘Nigeria: Killing of #EndSARS protesters by the military must be investigated’, the group stated that “Witnesses at the Lekki protest grounds told Amnesty international that solders arrived at about 6:45pm local time on Tuesday evening, and opened fire on #EndSars protesters without warning.
“Eyewitnesses at Alausa protest ground said they were attacked by a team of soldiers and policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Unit at about 8:00 pm, leaving at least two people dead and one critically injured.
“Opening fire on peaceful protesters is a blatant violation of people’s rights to life, dignity, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Soldiers clearly had one intention – to kill without consequences.”
Amnesty stated that after investigating, evidences gathered from eyewitnesses, video footage and hospital reports confirmed the shooting of peaceful protesters by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday October 20.
It stated that about 38 people were killed on Tuesday alone and at least 56 people have died in the country since the #EndSARS protest began.
Country Director of Amnesty International, Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, said the soldiers had only one intention, which was murder. He called on authorities to ensure immediate investigation and suspected perpetrators should be placed on fair trials.
He also said that they should “ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families.”
