In a statement on Thursday, the Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo described Tuesday’s shooting of protesters at the Lekki toll gate as barbaric and should be investigated.
The statement read “The United States strongly condemns the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos, causing death and injury.
“We welcome an immediate investigation into any use of excessive force by members of the security forces.
“Those involved should be held to account in accordance with Nigerian law.
“We extend our condolences to the victims of the violence and their families.
The statement added that peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are “essential human rights and core democratic principles” that should be respected by authorities.
The U.S government urged the security forces to exercise maximum restraint and “respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful”.