Tobias Sylvester
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has reacted to the killing of Nigerians youths who were protesting against the extrajudicial activities of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lekki area of Lagos State.
KanyiDaily had reported that there is an ongoing #EndSARS protest across the country against the SARS tactical unit of the Nigerian Police Force over its brutality, illegal arrest, extortion, extra-judicial killings, among others.
On Tuesday night, October 21, 2020, Nigerian Soldiers opened fire on the peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate, killing about nine people and injuring so many others.
Reacting on his Twitter page on Wednesday, Saraki said he watched with horror, how force was employed against the Lekki #EndSARS protesters, noting that his heart bleeds for the nation.
Saraki said it is unacceptable for any government to turn its weapons on its own young people. He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to do the right thing and stop the shooting.
“I have watched with horror the use of force against the Lekki #EndSARS protesters. My heart bleeds for the country. It is sad and disheartening that this is happening. These are peaceful youth protesting to express legitimate concerns. It is unacceptable for any Government to turn its weapons on its own young people. What has happened in Lekki tonight is nothing but a massacre
“This shooting must stop immediately and the security agents who carried out this exercise should be ordered to stop. No life of any Nigerian youth taking part in a peaceful protest deserves to be taken.
“This is not the Nigeria that we hope to leave for the next generation. Our young people are the future of our country. This is not the Nigeria we have worked for, striven for, prayed for and have sacrificed for.
“Dialogue is the only logical option in the current situation and not violence. Dialogue may take a longer time to work and it may appear frustrating. Still, as a leading member in the comity of nations, violent silencing of protesting youths cannot be an option for Nigeria.
“I appeal to the government to put an end to this shooting of protesters by security agents. We need to exercise great patience, restraint and compassion in handling the demands of these youths as they represent more than 50 percent of the population.
“Killing our defenceless youths is wrong, whatever the circumstance. Killing our youth is also killing our future as a nation. We must take a quick walk away from this. We must do all that is necessary to protect and engage with the youths on all issues. Let the shooting stop and let fruitful dialogue commence. Mr. President, this is what needs to be done. I appeal to you to do the right thing.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army is reportedly finding a way to evacuate the nine bodies of Nigerian youths who were massacred last night at the Lekki toll gate.
