Anthony Joshua, Odion Ighalo and others back Nigerian protesters, condemn police brutality

Unified world boxing champion Anthony Joshua and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo recently took to social media and condemned Nigerian government following reports that soldiers open fired on protesters in Lagos a couple of days ago. People in Nigeria have been protesting against police brutality for past two weeks and are asking for an “end to corruption, accountable governance and respect for human rights in country”.

Anthony Joshua, who is of Nigerian descent, said in a video mess that he’s doing everything he can to support protesters, including sending care packs. Anthony Joshua said world is listening to Nigerian people and he would try to visit country after his title fight with Kubrat Pulev, which is scheduled for December 12. A few days ago, Anthony Joshua also released a series of tweets where he wrote: “ violence and killings are horrendous”.

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Nigeria shooting protests: Ighalo makes his voice heard

Odion Ighalo, on or hand, slammed Nigerian government for “killing your own citizens”. He later asked his fans and rest of world to bring awareness to situation in his country. Ighalo's request was heard by thousands, including Marcus Rashford and Rio Ferdinand who shared his post on Twitter. Apart from Odion Ighalo and Anthony Joshua, many celebrities showed support to protesters, including Beyoncé, Kanye West and ors.

“ Nigerian government, you guys are a shame to world for killing your own citizens, sending military to streets to kill unarmed protesters because y are protesting for ir own rights? It's uncalled for,” Ighalo ded.

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What happened in Nigeria? Nigeria mass shooting les to massive protests

On Tuesday, a video went viral where protesters were heard singing national anm at Lekki toll plaza. However, after a few seconds, shots can be heard followed by sounds of people running away. Though it’s t clear on video who was firing, Amnesty International has blamed Nigerian security forces for death of at least 12 protesters. Amnesty also accused Nigerian police and military of using excessive force against protesters.

A day after incident, Lagos goverr confirmed numerous injuries from mass shooting but declined to answer who was responsible for incident.  

“Opening fire on peaceful protesters is a blatant violation of people’s rights to life, dignity, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Soldiers clearly h one intention - to kill without consequences,” said Osai Ojigho, country director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

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Im Source: Anthony Joshua, Odion Ighalo Instagram