Some legislators in the National Assembly have demanded justice for those who were killed during the #EndSARS protests.
The legislators, who made the demand in a statement released on Wednesday, also condemned the killings, saying everyone responsible should be brought to book.
The statement reads: “We the undersigned are legislators committed to setting agenda for progressive laws in Nigeria; initiating progressive laws and speaking against anti-people bills in the National Assembly.
“We have followed carefully the #ENDSARS protest by young people across Nigeria for the past two weeks and the killings in several cities including Jos, Kaduna, Abuja, Benin and Lagos.
“We note that in the recent past, this has been the most elaborate protest that has united young Nigerians across geography, ethnic nationality and religion.
“We observe that the protest goes beyond the excesses of the police formation called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests are as a result of frustration by Nigerian youths who have seen governments at all level fail to provide public goods and opportunities for them to lead a meaningful life.
“We recognise that over the years, socio-economic indicators in Nigeria have remained precarious. The Fragile states index has consistently classified Nigeria among the 15 worst states that are failing across the world.
“We are appalled by the reliance on force, intimidation and manipulation by government and security agencies in attempt to break the protest rather than utilising globally recognised methods of policing in a democratic society.
“We are enraged by reports of shooting of unarmed, defenceless protesters by military officers at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos after the lights were turned off and CCTV cameras put off. We call on the President to give an immediate order to all security agencies to stop shooting at protesters.
“We condemn this action by government and security agencies. This is inexcusable and totally unacceptable. There is no justification whatsoever for security officials who are paid with tax payers’ money to kill unarmed protesters.
“We call on the President to address the nation and take concrete actions to respond to the demand of the protesters. He should commit in words and action to respect and protect the right to protest. He should publicly invite the leaders of the protesters to an urgent dialogue while assuring them of their safety and that outcomes would be expeditiously implemented.
“We demand that the perpetrators of this dastardly act and all those who gave the orders should be brought to account in a transparent and accountable manner. We ask the President to immediately identify all the officers involved and prosecute them for murder.
“We also condemn the attack and burning of properties of innocent citizens and government.
“We call on government to respond expeditiously to demand of the protesters and other lingering issues of addressing the security architecture of the country and addressing revelations of corruption in many government agencies.
“As patriots, we will not keep quiet while the country is plunged into crisis under any guise. A stitch in time saves nine”.
The statement was signed by Senator Olu Adetunmbi, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Tolu Odebiyi, Senator (Dr) Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Rep Julius Ihonvbere, Rep Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum, Rep Francis Waive, and Rep Peter Akpatason.
Other signatory to the statement are Rep Umeoji Chukwuma, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Rep Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, Rep Francis Ottah Agbo, Rep Unyime Idem, Rep Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, Rep Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, Segius Ogun, Rep Preye Oseke, and Rep Ibrahim Obanikoro.
Others are Rep Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, Rep Bamidele Salam, Rep Dennis Idahosa, Rep Nnolim Nnaji, Rep Benjamin Bem Mzondu, Rep Timehin Adelegbe, Rep Taiwo Olukemi Oluga, Rep Ben Kalu, Rep Amos Magaji, Rep Olododo Cook Abdulganiyu Saka, Rep Igariwey Iduma Enwo, and Rep Olubukola Oyewo.
The statement was also signed by Rep Tolulope Akande-Sadipe Oluyole, Rep Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Rep Satomi Alhaji Ahmed, Rep Wole Oke and Rep Miriam Onuoha.