Former president Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the “use of deadly force” on #EndSARS protesters in Lagos state.
Protests against the defunct police special anti-robbery squad (SARS) turned violent in many parts of the country leading to loss of lives and property.
Men dressed in army fatigue were alleged to have shot at protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, a claim the Nigerian army has since denied.
Such actions would only worsen the situation, calling on all parties to embrace dialogue, Jonathan said in a statement on Thursday.
He asked security agencies to ensure maximum restraint was applied in carrying out their responsibilities and also asked young Nigerians to “give peace a chance especially now that different stakeholders have demonstrated the willingness to investigate the various allegations of excessive use of force on citizens and address the culture of impunity by security personnel”.
President Buhari on Wednesday held a nationwide broadcast, and reiterated that government was meeting the demands of the protesters.
Earlier on Thursday, he met with the country’s former presidents, including Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo.
The meeting was held behind close doors as details of the discussion is still being awaited.
– Radio Nigeria
