Nigerian protestors have reportedly been fatally shot after security forces opened fire on peaceful End SARS protestors in the Lekki district of Lagos, Nigeria.
Footage on social media, as well as on Nigeria’s Channels Television, appeared to capture scenes of live rounds being fired in the area last night (October 20).
Witnesses told Reuters more than 20 officers began firing at protestors at the Lekki Toll Plaza. Witnesses also said at least two people had been shot but their condition is unknown.
The hundreds of people at the site were protestors part of the End SARS demonstrations which began just under two weeks to challenge police brutality conducted at the hands of Nigeria’s police unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Allegations against the unit include unlawful arrests and detainment disproportionately against young people, kidnapping, murder, extortion and theft.
In a bid to bring the protests to an end, Nigerian officials have already imposed a 24-hour curfew in Lagos.
On late Tuesday, human rights organisation Amnesty International said there is “credible but disturbing evidence” that security forces in Lagos had fatally shot demonstrators protesting against police brutality at Lekki toll gate.
The organisation added: “While we continue to investigate the killings, Amnesty International wishes to remind the authorities that under international law, security forces may only resort to the use of lethal force when strictly unavoidable to protect against imminent threat of death or serious injury.”
Amnesty International have said at least 15 protestors have been killed since the protests began 12 days ago.
Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos state commissioner for information, said in a statement last night only that “there have been reports of shooting at the Lekki Toll Plaza following the 24-hour curfew imposed on Lagos”.
He added: “The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident.”
To support the End SARS movement, click here to sign a petition demanding justice for police brutality in Nigeria. You can also show your support at a protest happening today (October 21) at 3pm at the Nigerian High Commission in London.