United States Government has shut its embassy in Lagos state over rising violence rocking the city.
The U.S. embassy disclosed this via its official Twitter handle @USinNigeria on Tuesday evening, saying it would be shut for two days in order to observe the situation in the state.
It tweeted;
Multiple demonstrations are ongoing across Nigeria – to include areas within the consular districts of Abuja and Lagos.
Although most demonstrations are peaceful, some have become violent and have shut down major thoroughfares and bridges.
Some police stations have been targeted. Lagos State closed all schools indefinitely as of October 19 due to protests and implemented a 24-hour curfew starting at 4:00 p.m. on October 20.
Consulate General Lagos is closed for the rest of today and tomorrow.
The embassy added,
We continue to urge all U.S. citizens to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations and to check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Continue to be vigilant and avoid areas affected by the protests.
Security Alert: U.S. Mission in Nigeria (October 20, 2020)
Location: Nationwide
Events: Multiple demonstrations are ongoing across Nigeria – to include areas within the consular districts of Abuja and Lagos.
Read alert: https://t.co/WWwpTnwcX4 pic.twitter.com/aKGPWnRjYB
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) October 20, 2020
Lagos and some other states in the country has witnessed multiple violence since the beginning of the #EndSARS protests on October 7, with demonstrators coming under attacks either by the police or thugs, according to witnesses.
