杏MAP导航

Carnage in Lagos after protest against Police brutality Carnage in Lagos after protest against Police brutality 

杏MAP导航 Francis appeals for end to unrest in Nigeria

The 杏MAP导航 on Sunday expresses his concern at continuing violence in Nigeria, and appeals for social harmony in the promotion of justice and the common good.

By Vatican News


杏MAP导航 Francis during the Sunday Angelus appealed for an end to violent clashes in Nigeria.

From his studio above St Peter鈥檚 Square, the 杏MAP导航 said he was 鈥渇ollowing with particular concern the news that is coming out of Nigeria.鈥

He mentioned, 鈥渢he violent clashes between security forces and a number of young people protesting.鈥

鈥淟et us pray to the Lord so that any form of violence might be avoided, in the constant search for social harmony in the promotion of justice and the common good.鈥

Demonstrations

In the latest developments, Nigeria鈥檚 top police official on Saturday ordered the immediate mobilization of all officers to 鈥渞eclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters鈥.

His order came after days of peaceful protests over police abuses and then violent unrest that left at least 69 people dead.

There are fears this latest police order could fuel further tensions after the country鈥檚 worst turmoil in years.

The demonstrations in Nigeria, and the shootings by soldiers sparked immediate international condemnation.

The protests, which feature many young people, began with calls for a police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), to be shut down. Now demonstrators are calling for broader reforms in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari disbanded the unit on October 7, which has been accused of accused of torture and extra-judicial killings.

The new police order came as a 24-hour curfew loosened for the first time Saturday in Lagos, a city of some 20 million where wealth and poverty are in sharp contrast, inflaming grievances over inequality and corruption.

Playback of Angelus, 25 October 2020

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25 October 2020, 12:53