ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – A non-governmental organisation, the Initiative for Women Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), has expressed shock at the killing of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on Tuesday.
In a statement sent to Sundiata Post on Wednesday by Evelyn Onyilo, founder/president, the group called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the security forces to order.
The full statement reads:
“The Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa, INWOAD received with rude shock, trepidation and horror the shooting and killing of #ENDSARS unarmed peaceful protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, Lagos, Nigeria on Tuesday 20th October 2020. Indeed it was a black Tuesday for all well meaning Nigerians to see their vibrant patriotic youth wasted in such a ruthless manner.
INWOAD hereby vehemently condemns the brutal use of force by the military in an otherwise peaceful protest by citizens who were demanding for a better Nigeria where the rights of the people are protected.
“We mourn the untimely death of these gallant young Nigerians cut down in their prime. It is a shame on our Country and leaders as they have failed woefully to protect their own.
“INWOAD demands that the President Muhammadu Buhari and his high military command should immediately call its men to order by stopping further killings, maiming and harassment of Nigerians in general and our youths in particular. Enough of the bloodshed and killing of innocent citizens.
“We demand that President Muhammadu Buhari must put in place mechanisms for dialogue with the protesters; a basic principle of true democracy while adequate compensations should be made to families of those who lost their lives and those injured.
“The President should address the nation as a matter of urgency and apologise to Nigerians and indeed the world for the undemocratic and unfortunate use of force by the military of which about 49 protesters are reported to have been killed nationwide.
“As mothers, we are tired of losing our children. Enough is enough.
“INWOAD sympathises with the families of our slain patriotic youths and all who lost their lives. May God comfort them and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“May the souls of our slain young heroes and heroines rest in peace and may their labour and death not be in vain. Their blood cry for justice, equality, fairness and a reawakenining for a better Nigeria.
“God bless our gallant youths!
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
EVELYN H. ONYILO,
President/Founder
