By Adesina Soyooye
Former US Vice President, and Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate in the upcoming US election, Joe Biden, has expressed worries over the violent crackdown on protesting Nigerian Youths.
Thousands of Youths had embarked on a nationwide protest against the brutalities and killings by the now defunct SARS on, especially, the Youths.
On Tuesday evening, at about 7.00pm, men in military uniform attacked the Youths, allegedly killing many and injuring some others.
And, even though the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who had earlier in the day imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state, said no death was recorded, the bloody incident has attracted the attention of the International Community, including the European Union Parliament, and former US First Lady/ Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
Now, it has also drawn the attention of Biden. In a statement he released, Biden implored the Nigerian Military and President Mohammed Buhari, to stop the crackdown on protesting Nigerian Youths.
Following, the full text of the statement:
“I urge President Buhari and the Nigerian Military to cease the violent crackdown on Protesters in Nigeria, which has already resulted in several deaths. My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence. The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for Police reform and seeking to end corruption in their democracy. I encourage the Government to engage in a good faith dialogue with civil society to address these long standing grievances and work together for more a more just and inclusive Nigeria.”
The protests have continued with an attack and the razing of a private television cable station, Television Continental, BRT buses, banks, and other private concerns.
