#EndSars: 'Influence Nigerian Govt To Handle Situation Better Not Spill Blood' Idris Elba Tells African Leaders

British movie star, Idris Elba, has reacted to the nationwide #EndSars protest in Nigeria, calling on African leaders not to turn their back against the most populous black nation.

Elba's call came after some #EndSars protesters were shot at Lekki tollgate, Lagos, leaving many dead and several injured.

AllNews earlier reported that the protesters at the Lekki tollgate came under heavy gunfire, shortly after the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced a 24-hour curfew, due to perceived violence.

Several were injured as many fled for their lives upon the gunfire, after soldiers arrived at the protest ground around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 20.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, he condemned the action, saying it was not the approach to handle such a situation.

He urged the leaders of the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene in the current situation in Nigeria.

“Calling on Africans to unite in protest against what is happening on Nigerian soil. The leadership of other African nations need to make their voices heard for the protesters of SARS,” he wrote.

“From one leader to another, show them some perspective on the way they are handling the youth, it is wrong and should be met with heavy criticism and positioning.

READ ALSO: #EndSars: My Heart Is Broken For Nigeria- Rihanna

“Africa should not turn its back on this situation, the world leadership should not turn its back on this situation. Use your power and reach to influence the Nigerian government to govern this situation better and not spill blood.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Idris Elba (@idriselba) on Oct 21, 2020 at 2:41am PDT

Meanwhile, the army denied deploying soldiers to the protest ground, but Sanwo-Olu confirmed that they were deployed to the venue at the Lekki toll gate.

Contradicting the claims of the Nigerian Army in a live broadcast on Wednesday morning, Sanwo-Olu who said that no Governor had control over the rules of engagement of the Nigerian military further disclosed that he had instructed an investigation into the attack of protesters by men of the Nigerian army.