The Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative vehemently condemns the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza, in Lagos State, on October 20, 2020.

The advocacy group in a statement jointly signed by the National President, Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe, and National Publicity Secretary, Francis Ndimkoha, said: “This ugly incident is regrettable and totally against every known tenet of Democracy. As an accountability advocacy group, Citizens Quest believes in the inalienable right of the people to hold the Government accountable to their promises as well the democratic dividends expected of them.”

The group noted that it is heartrending that live ammunition takes the place of diplomatic approaches to stop the protest. We call on the President to quickly address the country on the state of the nation.

“We commiserate with the families of the victims and urge government to provide compensation for victims where necessary,” Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative appealed.

“We also condemn in strong terms all emissaries of rift, who sit in the comfort of their homes, both in Nigeria and in diaspora, to fuel the tension in the land, through inciting updates and comments of social media, urging unsuspecting Citizens to confront armed men. Evidences abound that most young people, riding on the funding they get from these agents of distabilization would rather remain in the street, rather than give the Government a chance to look into their demands.

“We affirm that outcry of citizens over Police Brutality is valid and having expressed same in strong terms, it is pertinent to allow the Government to address the issues.

“A peaceful and developed Nigeria where human right is protected and upheld is the pride of all.

“May the Labour of our Heroes past not be in vain.”