Date: 2020-10-21

Immediate Past President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has condemned the shooting of Nigerians during a protest at Lekki toll gate on Tuesday.

He made this known in a post on his verified social media handles.

The former Kwara State governor cautioned that "Killing our defenceless youth is wrong - regardless of the circumstance".

He warned that Nigeria is killing its future by killing youths.

He said, 'I have watched with horror the use of force against the Lekki #EndSARS protesters. My heart bleeds for the country. It is sad and disheartening that this is happening. These are peaceful youth protesting to express legitimate concerns. It is unacceptable for any Government to turn its weapons on its own young people. What has happened in Lekki tonight is nothing but a massacre.

'This shooting must stop immediately and the security agents that carried out this exercise should be ordered to stop. No life of any Nigerian youth taking part in a peaceful protest deserves to be taken.

'This is not the Nigeria that we hope to leave for the next generation. Our young people are the future of our country. This is not the Nigeria we have worked for, strived for, prayed for, and have sacrificed for.' He appealed to the government to put an end to the shooting of protesters by security agents.

Saraki added, "Dialogue is the only logical option in the current situation and not violence. Dialogue may take a longer time to work and it may appear frustrating. However, as a leading member in the comity of nations, the violent silencing of protesting youths cannot be an option for Nigeria.

'We need to exercise great patience, restraint, and compassion in handling the demands of these youth.

'Killing our defenceless youth is wrong - regardless of the circumstance. Killing our children our youth is also killing our future as a nation. We must take a quick walk back from this. We must do all that is necessary to protect and engage with the youth on all issues. Let the shooting stop and let fruitful dialogue commence.

"Mr. President, this is what needs to be done. I appeal to you to do the right thing."