Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) has condemned the reported callous assault and murder of defenseless civilian protesters, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos State of Nigeria.
In a press statement signed on Wednesday by the President, Commonwealth Medical Association, Chief Consultant Family Physician, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, the Association expressed grave concern over the incidence.
“This unfortunate incidence which took place in the course of a peaceful protest (code-named #ENDSARS) against police brutality and call for reforms of the Nigeria Police Force in various parts of Nigeria, was characterized by the firing of live bullets at the protesting civilians, with several deaths and fatal injuries recorded amongst the protesters.
“Aside from these despicable acts which led to many casualties, the CMA views as most unfortunate and unacceptable, the prevention of ambulance services and medical care for the injured victims,” the Association bemoaned.
It said while the Commonwealth Medical Association is not currently in a position to make a declarative statement on the pre-morbid state and motives of the elements behind this unholy assault and decimation of defenseless civilian protesters, the Association “deeply regrets the loss of lives and strongly condemns this unwarranted murder of civilian protesters and gross assault on their fundamental human and health rights.”
The CMA expressed its condolences to the families of those murdered at the Lekki Toll gate and other parts of Nigeria, and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Noting the enormous human casualties and its implications for health and security, the CMA passionately called on the government of Nigeria to urgently calm the situation by arresting further intimidation, assaults and murder of the peaceful protesters.
It also called on the government to ensure the arrest of criminals and hoodlums who are attacking peaceful demonstrators, and the strict adherence to existing International treaties on fundamental human rights, and International treaties that govern the treatment of civilians, as enshrined in the Geneva Declaration of 1949.
The CMA further urges the Nigerian government to take up the medical care of injured victims, guarantee unfettered access to physicians and healthcare workers to care for injured victims, and to bring all the culprits who perpetrated the shameful act to quick justice, through transparent investigation and prosecution.
“The CMA appreciates all physicians and healthcare workers who have so far offered to provide medical care to the injured victims, and urges the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association to sustain her leadership roles in ensuring full medical and psychological rehabilitation of the injured.”
The Association also called on all parties to exercise restraint and embrace peaceful means, constructive and altruistic dialogue, laced with respect for the rule of law, respect for human and health rights, and the dignity of human lives.
