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Rights Group, Nigeria Officials Differ on Lekki Shooting Death Toll

Timothy Obiezu

   ABUJA - Human rights group Amnesty International and authorities in
   Nigeria disagree on the number of people killed at a shooting Tuesday
   in Lagos.

   Amnesty International says at least 56 protesters have died in clashes
   with security forces during weeks-long demonstrations in Nigeria
   against police brutality, with at least 38 people killed Tuesday -- 12
   of them when security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters at the
   Lekki toll gate in Lagos.

   While authorities have acknowledged some casualties, they are
   downplaying the numbers, and the army has denied firing on protesters.

   Amnesty International released its latest figure in a statement
   Wednesday night, citing evidence from witnesses.

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