The Ondo state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) has condemned the use of live ammunition on non-violent, unarmed protesters at Lekki tollgate.
The association also condemned the killing innocent protesters, who are only out to seek justice and a better country.
The NMA in a statement issued by its state Chairman, Dr.Stella Adegbehingbe, said the primary purpose of government is to protect the lives and properties of its citizens.
The association called on the Federal and State Governments to interface with the protesters with a view of attending to their demands and thereby ensuring a truly reformed Police and good governance.
It also enjoined the Ondo State Government to continue to ensure the safety of lives and properties of its citizenry, during this period and beyond.
The association also advised the state government as a matter of utmost urgency, ensure that health care workers are protected and not harassed by security agencies, as they provide health care services during the curfew that has been declared by Ondo State Government.
The statement added, “The Nigerian Medical Association, Ondo State has followed with keen observation the #ENDSARS in the different parts of the country, directed at ending brutality of personnel of the police.
” We note that the protests have been largely peaceful until some aspects of the youthful effort were hijacked by hoodlums, who are suspected to be sponsored. We believe that it is the constitutional right of any Nigerian to lawfully associate and express themselves peacefully.
“The primary purpose of government is to protect the lives and properties of his citizens. We received, with dismay, reports of the use of live ammunition on non-violent, unarmed protesters, thereby killing innocent protesters, who are only out to seek justice and a better country.
“We condemn any use of force or live ammunitions on any peaceful protester by security agencies in any part of the country. Nigerian Medical Association, Ondo State is calling on the Federal and State Government to interface with the protesters with a view of attending to their demands and thereby ensuring a truly reformed Police and good governance”.