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Sauca said in the statement “The World Council of Churches (WCC) is shocked by the violence perpetrated against unarmed protestors at Lekki toll gate, Lagos, on the evening of 20 October 2020 by security force personnel in military camouflage using live ammunition, resulting in a reported 20 deaths and 50 injured. “He added “We join the rising chorus of condemnation in Nigeria and around the world against this atrocity.”
The WCC noted in the statement that the Vice-President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has responded by promising justice for all those killed or wounded in the attack on Tuesday night.
“We call on the government to deliver on this promise without delay and with full transparency, and to fulfil its fundamental duty to protect the lives and properties of its people. Further, we urge the government of Nigeria to act decisively to address the legitimate demands of the protesters.”
Nigerian church leaders and national ecumenical councils – the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) – had expressed their support for the peaceful protests and the demands being made, and have reacted to the recent bloodshed with outrage and demands for accountability.
Sauca concluded “The WCC conveys its solidarity and support to the churches of Nigeria as they seek to fulfil their essential ministry for justice, peace and human dignity and rights at this difficult and dangerous moment in the life of the nation.”
Read the full statement by the WCC interim general secretary
