The Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) has expressed grave concern over reports of callous assault and murder of defenseless civilian protesters, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos State, Nigeria.
In a statement, President, CMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele, said that 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.
According to him, 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 CMA deeply regrets the loss of lives and strongly condemns the unwarranted murder of civilian protesters and gross assault on their fundamental human and health rights.
The CMA condoled with the families of the murdered protesters at the Toll Gate whilst also praying for the repose of their soul.
The CMA further urged the Nigerian government to take up the medical care of injured victims, guarantee unfettered access to physicians and healthcare.
The statement Reads: “The CMA condoles the families of those murdered at the Lekki Toll gate and other parts of Nigeria, and prays for the repose of their souls.the group regretted the enormous human casualties and its implications for health and security, calling on the Government of Nigeria to urgently calm the situation by arresting further intimidation, assaults and murder of the peaceful protesters, ensuring the arrest of criminals and hoodlums who are attacking peaceful demonstrators, and ensuring strict adherence to existing international treaties on fundamental human rights, and other 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 urged the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association to sustain her leadership roles in ensuring full medical and psychological rehabilitation of the injured.
”Finally, CMA calls 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.”
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