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US Condemns 'Excessive Force' Used Against Nigeria Protesters

VOA News

   The United States condemned police brutality in Lagos Thursday, two
   days after at least 12 protesters were shot dead by Nigerian Security
   Forces.

   "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," U.S. Secretary of State Mike
   Pompeo said in a statement.

   Late Wednesday, Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo expressed his
   condolences and promises justice for those shot dead at the Lekki toll
   plaza.

   Osinbajo's comments, in a series of tweets Wednesday night, were the
   first public comments from the country's leaders referring to Tuesday's
   shooting in Lagos state.

   President Muhammadu Buhari -- who has said little about the protests
   engulfing his country -- did not mention the Lekki shootings in a
   statement Wednesday but issued a call for calm and vowed police
   reforms.

   Amnesty International on Wednesday reported that a total of 38 people
   died on Tuesday. Amnesty also said at least 56 people have been killed
   over the past two weeks in protests directed at the police Special
   Anti-Robbery Squad, known as SARS, which the international rights group
   accused of torture and murders.

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