Man United's Ighalo condemns Lekki massacre and calls on world leaders to help Nigerians

MANCHESTER United striker Odion Ighalo has vehemently condemned the Nigerian government over yesterday's killing of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State.

Last night, the men of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army opened fire on unarmed protesters at the toll gate, in what is being referred to as Nigeria's Sharpeville. Over the last fortnight, the young and peaceful protesters had been demonstrating against police brutality and had been calling for the dissolution of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (Sars) police unit.

Yesterday morning, however, the nationwide protests descended into violence as government-sponsored thugs attacked protesters. In response, hoodlums attacked police stations and officers of the force, sending the whole nation up in flames, to which Governor Sanwoolu responded with a curfew due to start at 4pm.

As dusk approached, workers at the toll gate began removing the CCTV cameras at the facility, so what was being planned would not be recorded. Then, under the cover of darkness, the Nigerian Army attacked shooting at unarmed civilians, killing dozens and injuring scores.

Reacting to the shootings, Ighalo published a video in his Twitter page, describing the Nigerian government as a shame to the world. He added that the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will be remembered in history as the first government that sent military officials to kill its citizens.

Ighalo said: “Sending the military to the streets to kill unharmful protesters because they are protesting for their right is uncalled for. Today, 20th of October 2020, you will be remembered in history as the first government that sent the military to kill its citizens.

 “I’m ashamed of you guys, we’re tired of you guys and can’t take this anymore.” He called on world leaders to come to the aid of Nigerian citizens.