Reactions from members of the African literary community have begun to trail the reported shooting of protesters by the Nigerian military in Lekki, Lagos.
On Tuesday October 20, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced a round-the-clock curfew following reports that hoodlums had hijacked the otherwise peaceful protests in some parts of the state. However, many of the protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate decided to continue with the protest peacefully. There were claims that the street and LED lights in the area were switched off when the army arrived the scene in the evening and allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters.
Although both the Army and Lagos State governor have denied use of live bullets, insisting that there were no casualties from that partocular scene of protest, the controversial incident has since inspired several hashtags on twitter including #LekkiGenocide, #LagosMassacre, #LekkitollgateMassacre and #LekkiTollGateShooting with all generating millions of tweets.
Reacting to the incident, the literary community like the Ake Festival posted on twitter, “We’re devastated by the gunning down of unarmed #EndSARS protesters in Lekki and in other parts of Nigeria yesterday Tuesday). To honour those we’ve lost, we’re suspending the scheduled #AkeFest20 Welcome Ceremony to host panel discussions that speak to this moment in Nigeria & Africa.”
Similarly, the Writers Project of Ghana said in a statement, “Writers Project of Ghana expresses deep concern over the emerging political security and safety concerns in Nigeria, particularly incidents of violence against protestors. As a writer’s organisation with collaborators around the world, including Nigeria, many of our friends and collaborators have been caught up in these incidents that threaten their very safety and lives. Of interest is the reported firing of live rounds against protestors at the Lekki Toll Booth on 20th October 2020, which has reportedly resulted in many deaths and injuries. We ask that the security apparatus exercise extreme restraint in their effort to keep the peace and to respect the fundamental human rights of the protestors. Writers Project of Ghana stands with our colleague writers and associations in Nigeria during these difficult times and wish them strength and safety.”
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said on Wednesday that the last 48 hours had been strenuous trying to move around. He likened the situation to the days of military dictator, Late Gen. Sanni Abacha and advised the governors of affected states to see to the immediate withdrawal of the military.
Other writers and members of the literary community also bared their minds on the alleged Lekki killings. Here are some of their comments:
“My thoughts are with my brothers and sisters who died today fighting for ?justice in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has crossed a line, and there may not be going back” – Helon Habila, an award-winning writer.
“What do you call a country that spills the blood of its young as if it were dirty dishwater? #EndSARSBrutalitynow #EndSARS – Chika Unigwe
“Some of us are breaking. Some of us broke long ago. All of us are wondering how we can survive the next days, weeks, months, years. I am sending love & strength to each of you. Never, for one moment, think that you are alone – Maaza Mengiste
“Black Tuesday 20th October 2020. The day Nigeria murdered her people.” – Tsitsi.
