The International Criminal Court ICC has reacted to the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos on Tuesday.
The shootings carried out by Soldiers has been a subject of global outrage in the past 40 hours, drawing attention to violations of human rights by Nigerian authorities.
Also, the exact number of deaths from the incident is yet to be ascertained as reports peg the number of casualties to no fewer than 48 persons.
Reacting to the incident, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda issued a statement on Thursday noting that the intergovernmental organisation has been “closely following the events around the current protests in Nigeria and the reaction of Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agencies.”
The International Tribunal that sits in Hague, Netherlands said it is keeping a close eye on developments “in case violence escalates and any indications arise on that Rome Statute crimes may have been committed.”
It also appealed for calm and restraint, noting that any loss of life and injury is concerning.
#ICC Prosecutor #FatouBensouda on the recent violence in #Nigeria: “I call for calm and restraint.” ⬇ pic.twitter.com/kGee6TabLm
— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) October 22, 2020
The full statement issued by ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda reads:
“My office has been closely following the events around the current protests in Nigeria and the reaction of Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agencies.
“Any loss of life or injury is concerning. We have received information alleging crimes and are keeping a close eye on developments, in case violence escalates and any indications arise that Rome Statute crimes may have been committed.
