Buhari calls for calm, silent on Lekki shooting

President Muhammadu Buhari

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday called for calm amidst the arsons and clashes that have ended the peaceful street protests of young Nigerians protesting against police brutality.

“I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy,” Buhari said in his recorded national broadcast.

“I, therefore, call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage the government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding,” he added.

The president broadcast came after violence broke out in different parts of the country and more than a week after he first reacted to the #EndSARS protests last Monday.

In Lagos, unrest escalated after the government security forces, including the army, fired live ammunition on protesters in Lekki toll-gate on Tuesday. Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described it as “among the darkest hours” of the state history.

Sanwo-Olu blamed “forces beyond our direct control” for