Ex-President of the Ijaw Youth Council(IYC), Dr. Chris Ekiyor, has condemned attacks on the #endsars protesters by military men at the Lekki Toll Plaza on Tuesday night.
In a statement he signed as the Convener of Integration Summit Group Nigeria(ISGN) and made available to Popular News, he stated: “Integration Summit Group Nigeria, (ISGN) condemns the attack on unarmed youths and protesters by the military at the Lekki Toll Plaza on Tuesday night and all other locations of peaceful protest.
“The group expressed shock and dismay at the shooting by the military men under the guise of dispersing the crowd in a protest that have so far been peaceful, organised and most cordinated. Most worrisome is the fact that the protesters were clad in Nigerian flag and were singing the national anthem when the shooting took place.
“ISGN is of the view that there are rules of engagement in respect of peaceful protest, to disperse protesters rather that using live bullets on unnarmed protesters. It would be recalled that at the time of the attack, the curfew imposed by Lagos State government has not commenced as it was extended to 9pm and therefore one wonders the rational for the military incursion and attack.
“We are hereby calling on the federal government to bring the dare devil soldiers to justice for the heinous crime against unarmed protesters who were exercising their fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution. The international communities are watching and we expect that justice is served appropriately.”
Going further, he said: “While we commiserate with families of Nigerians who have lost their lives since the commencement of the #EndSARS protest, we wish to situate our stand and support for the movement for a better Nigerian devoid of bad governance, police brutality and socioeconomic downturn.
“We appeal for peace and calm from Nigerians to ensure that the protests remain peaceful while the demands are being put forward.”
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