#OccupyLekki: Security Operatives Must Refrain From Use Of Force On Protesters, Amnesty To FG

Ijeoma Okeke

A global right group, Amnesty International has pleaded with the Federal Government on the right to protect it’s citizens on peaceful protest.

The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the alleged killing of #EndSARS protesters by soldiers at the Lekki toll gate, had decided to hand over the tollgate back to its operators, Lekki Concession Company, after forensic experts submitted their report on the October 20, 2020 incident.

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However, four members of the panel including a youth representative, Rinu Oduala, faulted the decision of the panel but the chairman of the panel, retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, and four other members of the panel acceded to LCC’s request to repossess the toll gate.

In a series of tweets by the global right group, it said that security operatives must refrain from use of force on protesters like it had occurred last October during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.

According to Amnesty, “Reports say, Armed policemen surround #LekkiTollGate ahead of Saturday’s protests.

“Amnesty international is calling on all Nigerian authorities to demonstrate commitment to protect the right to peaceful protest. Previous attempts by security agents to repress peaceful protests have led to human rights violations and abuses. #LekkiTollGate.

“The Nigerian govt. must ensure that when protesters exercise their right to freedom of assembly, it must be without fear of harassment or attacks by hoodlums or others opposed to the protests. Security operatives must refrain from excessive use of force on protesters. #EndSARS.”