Sequel to the EndSARS protests that rocked every nook and cranny of the country, the United Kingdom has ordered the closure of its embassies in Nigeria over the crisis as a result of #EndSARS protests across the country.
The demonstrations, which began as a peaceful march two weeks ago, have degenerated into crisis in various states, leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties.
Over the past three days, attacks have been launched on government-owned institutions and private businesses, leading to deaths and properties being razed.
On Monday, police stations were set on fire in Edo, while two prisons were broken into, leading to the escape of inmates from custody, and the state government declared a 24-hour curfew.
On Tuesday morning, police stations and other properties were also destroyed in Lagos, and the governor declared a 24-hour curfew which took effect at 9pm.
By Wednesday morning, hoodlums launched attacks on locations across the state, setting fire to buildings and buses.Events, however, took a major turn on Tuesday evening when persons dressed in military uniform opened fire on protesters who were at the Lekki area of Lagos.
According to a statement issued on its website on Wednesday, the UK noted that the closure of its offices is to ensure the safety of staff and visa applicants.
The closure will be maintained for an initial 48 hours, while applicants who have already booked appointments have been advised to reschedule.
“Due to the ongoing protest in Nigeria and for the safety of both staff and applicants, our Nigeria centres will be closed for 48 hours at a minimum,” the statement read.
“For applicants with booked appointments within this period, please you will need to reschedule your appointment for next week, from 26th October 2020"
Already, former presidential candidate in
United States Hillary Clinton has warmed President Muhammadu Buhari to stop killing young #End SARS protesters in Nigeria.
Reacting to the attack on the peaceful prote-
t
In his reaction. Prof. Wole Soyinka lamented that the tension in the land had become unimaginable, adding that the extra-judicial killing in Lagos state has drenched the Nigerian flag in the blood of innocents.
The Nobel laureate in literature, Professor Wole Soyinka, observing a court proceeding. Source: Legit.ng
“At that earlier mention Lagos sector, Lekki, where most of the affirmative action gatherings had taken place, soldiers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, killing and wounding a yet undetermined number. One such extra-judicial killing has drenched the Nigerian flag in the blood of innocents – and not symbolically.
“The video has, in accustomed parlance, ‘gone viral’. I have spoken by phone to eye-witnesses. One, a noted public figure has shared his first-hand testimony on television. The government should cease to insult this nation with petulant denials.”
Soyinka said it was absolutely essential to let this government know that the Army had now replaced SARS in the demonic album of the protesters.
The academic giant said his enquiry so far indicated that the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu did not invite in the Army and did not complain of a ‘breakdown in law and order’.
Soyinka added:
“Nevertheless, the Centre had chosen to act in an authoritarian manner and had inflicted a near incurable wound on the community psyche.
“Need I add that, on arrival in Abeokuta, my home town, I again had to negotiate a roadblock? That went smoothly enough. I expected it, and have no doubt that more are being erected as this is being written."
Amid ongoing violence and repeated attacks on facilities in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed to report the Nigeria Army operatives who shot at the peaceful protesters at Lekki toll gate to the military "high command."
Speaking during a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, October 21, closely monitored.Governor Sanwo-Olu sued for understanding and peace.
The governor also stated that he would report the security operatives who carried out the attack on unarmed protesters to President Muhammadu Buhari, being the commander-in-chief.
Governor Sanwo-Olu: Credit: Channels TV.
Sanwo-Olu described the incident as unfortunate and tragic, adding that he was never involved in the directives that saw armed operatives open fire on the demonstrators.
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