Pastor Agu Irukwu, Pentecostal President for Churches Together in England (CTE), invites the Member Churches of CTE to pray for the brothers and sisters in Nigeria as serious violence breaks out against young demonstrators, and calls for the international community and the Church to stand with young Nigerians peacefully protesting against police brutality in Nigeria.
With other Presidents in support of this call, he writes:
On 20th October 2020, the Nigerian security forces opened fire on protesters at the Lekki toll gate, the entrance to an urban highway in Lagos, Nigeria, who were protesting over the actions of a police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which has been accused of human rights atrocities and widespread killings of innocent civilians.
Over the past fortnight, support for these protests have gained momentum and spread to international communities as several #EndSARS protest marches have taken place in many countries, including the United Kingdom.
The targeted killing of unarmed protesters who were exercising their constitutional right to protest is reprehensible.
We urge the Church and the UK authorities to condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and call for an end to the violent crackdown against the protesters. The Church must speak out for justice and truth and challenge injustice in the world. “But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.” (Amos 5.24)
We remember those who sadly lost their lives and pray comfort for their families and communities, we pray healing for those who have been wounded and those who have been traumatised by recent events. We pray for a restoration of peace in the nation.
Find out more about CTE’s Presidents here.
For more information please contact CTE’s General Secretary, Rev’d Dr Paul Goodliff.