US asks the Nigerian government to act on EndSARS panel report

The United States government has reacted following the conclusion of work by the Lagos State Panel for victims of SARS related abuses and other matters.

After the panel chairman, Justice Doris Okuwobi (retired) submitted the report at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, concluding that people were killed and injured at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020, during the End SARS protests, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the findings, recommendations and set up a four-member committee.

The committee led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), will come up with a White Paper in two weeks and Sanwo-Olu promised that the state government’s action would be guided by the law and in the public interest.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 16, the US Mission in Nigeria said America awaits the response from President Muhammadu Buhari government and Lagos authorities.

The Embassy said official actions are part of a process that represents an important mechanism of accountability regarding the EndSARS protests and the events at the tollgate.

“Those events led to serious allegations against some members of the security forces,” the statement reads.

“We look forward to the Lagos State and federal governments taking suitable measures to address those alleged abuses as well as the grievances of the victims and their families.”