#ENDSARS: Rep Ottah Agbo, other lawmakers condemn killing of protesters, demand justice for victims

Anthony Iwuoma

A group of lawmakers comprising senators and members of the House of Representatives have condemned the reported killings of youths involved in the two-week nation-wide #ENDSARS protests.
The lawmakers described themselves as patriots and would not keep quiet while the country is plunged into crisis under any guise.
In a statement, the group said: “We the undersigned are legislators committed to setting agenda for progressive laws in Nigeria; initiating progressive laws and speaking against anti-people bills in the National Assembly.
“We have followed carefully the #ENDSARS protest by young people across Nigeria for the past two weeks and the killings in several cities including Jos, Kaduna, Abuja, Benin and Lagos.
“We note that in the recent past, this has been the most elaborate protest that has united young Nigerians across geography, ethnic nationality and religion.”
Noting that the protests are not just about scrapping the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, the Lakers added: “We observe that the protest goes beyond the excesses of the police formation called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests are as a result of frustration by Nigerian youths, who have seen governments at all levels fail to provide public goods and opportunities for them to lead a meaningful life.
“We recognise that over the years, socio-economic indicators in Nigeria have remained precarious. The fragile states index has consistently classified Nigeria among the 15 worst states that are failing across the world.”
The statement further faulted undesirable ploys of the authorities and security agents to frustrate the protests instead of addressing their grievances. It also condemned reported killings and acts of brutality meted to the protesters.
“We are appalled by the reliance on force, intimidation and manipulation by government and security agencies in attempt to break the protest rather than utilising globally recognised methods of policing in a democratic society.
“We are enraged by reports of shooting of unarmed, defenceless protesters by military officers at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos after the lights were turned off and CCTV cameras put off.
Describing the violence by security officials, who are paid with tax payers’ money against innocent Nigerian youths, protesting poor governance, as inexcusable, unjustifiable and unacceptable, the lawmakers called on President Muhammadu Buhari to give an immediate order to all security agencies to desist from shooting at protesters.
“We call on the president to address the nation and take concrete actions to respond to the demand of the protesters. He should commit in words and action to respect and protect the right to protest. He should publicly invite the leaders of the protesters to an urgent dialogue while assuring them of their safety and that outcomes would be expeditiously implemented.
“We demand that the perpetrators of this dastardly act and all those who gave the orders should be brought to account in a transparent and accountable manner. We ask the president to immediately identify all the officers involved and prosecute them for murder.”
They also condemned the attack and burning of properties of innocent citizens and government, urging the government to respond expeditiously to demand of the protesters and other lingering issues of addressing the security architecture of the country and addressing revelations of corruption in many government agencies.