Lekki Massacre: ‘This is not the Nigeria we hope to leave for the next generation’ – Saraki

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has reacted to the shooting of peaceful End SARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate by security operatives on Tuesday evening.

The former Kwara State Governor condemned the killings in strong terms.

In a series of tweets, Saraki maintained that this Nigeria is not the country they hope to leave for the next generation.

He said the youths are the future of the nation and should be protected at all cost.

He however said, dialogue remains the only solution.

He wrote, “I appeal to the government to put an end to this shooting of protesters by security agents. We need to exercise great patience, restraint and compassion in handling the demands of these youth.

“We must do all that is necessary to protect and engage with them on all issues. Please let the shooting stop and let fruitful dialogue commence.

“Killing our young and defenceless children under any circumstances is wrong. Period. Killing our children is also killing our future as a nation. We must walk back from this. Mr. President this is what needs to be done. I appeal to you to do the right thing.

“I am horrified by the use of lethal force against #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos. My heart bleeds for this 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 harrasment and extrajudicial killing of Nigerians must stop immediately and the security agents who carried out this exercise should be brought to justice. 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.

“Dialogue is the only logical option in the current situation— not violence. Dialogue may take a longer time to work and it may appear frustrating. However, as a leading country in the comity of nations, the violent silencing of protesting youth cannot be an option.”