#EndSARS: Tony Elumelu saddened by loss of lives in Nigeria

Chairman Heirs Holdings Mr. Tony Elumelu Wednesday said that he is deeply saddened by the loss of life and damage that occurred as a result of attacks on #EndSARS protesters in Lagos.

” It is important that lethal force is not applied on unarmed protesters and that we all engage peacefully and constructively.”

” My heart is heavy, I am deeply saddened by the turn of events in our country and the needless loss of lives as reported in Lagos and other parts of the country, he said.

Elumelu, who resides in Lagos, prayed for healing for all those affected and promised to renew the dialogue that he initiated with others for a peaceful, urgent, and transparent resolution.

“To the youth, your unity, purpose, and sacrifice is an inspiration. Your struggles will not be in vain.

Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet also strongly condemned the use of excessive and disproportionate force by Nigerian troops in Lagos.

Ms Bachelet called on the Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps to deal decisively with persistent breaches by the security forces, and work harder to bring police and army personnel guilty of crimes against civilians to justice.

“While the number of casualties of yesterday’s shooting at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos is still not clear, there is little doubt that this was a case of excessive use of force, resulting in unlawful killings with live ammunition, by Nigerian armed forces,” she said.

“Reports that CCTV cameras and lighting were deliberately disabled prior to the shooting are even more disturbing as, if confirmed, they suggest this deplorable attack on peaceful protestors was premeditated, planned and co-ordinated.”

Ms Bachelet said Nigeria was “already at boiling point” due to years of violence including killings, rape, extortion and other breaches alleged to have been committed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

“While the authorities have now dissolved Sars and announced a series of inquiries at federal and state levels, there have still been few if any charges levelled against its members, despite abundant evidence,” she said.

Ms Bachelet said the way to restore trust and quell the unrest in Nigeria was for the authorities to take immediate steps to show they were committed to tackling impunity.