Man Utd´s Ighalo condemns Nigeria killings as Anthony Joshua joins fight for change

Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo labelled Nigeria’s government “killers” after security forces and soldiers reportedly opened fire on protestors in Lagos.

There have been ongoing protests in Nigeria against police brutality and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police unit, which has been accused of killings, torture and extortion.

A 24-hour curfew was imposed on Tuesday, but protestors still took to the streets before fleeing as live rounds where shot towards the crowd.

Former Nigeria international Ighalo responded to the violence following United’s 2-1 Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Pray for NIGERIA pic.twitter.com/V7i4Ngs9qd

— Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) October 20, 2020

“I’m sad and I don’t know where to start from,” Ighalo said in a video message shared via social media.

“I’m not the kind of guy who talks about politics – but I can’t keep quiet anymore about what is going on back home in Nigeria.

“I would say [to the] government are a shame to the world – for killing your own citizens, sending military to the streets, to kill [unarmed] protesters because they are protesting for their rights. It’s uncalled for.

“Today, 20th of October 2020, you people will be remembered in the history as the first government to send military to the city to start killing their own citizens.

 pic.twitter.com/zSPWPA47aj

— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) October 20, 2020

“I am ashamed of this government. I am tired of you guys. I can’t take this anymore. I’m calling the UK government, calling all those leaders in the world to please see what is going on in Nigeria and help us – help the poor citizens.

“The government are killing their own citizens. We are calling [the world’s governments], the United Nations, to see to the matter.

“I want to tell my brothers and sisters back home to remain safe. Be indoors, please don’t come [outside]. Because this government are killers and they will keep killing if the world does not talk about this. God bless you all. Remain safe. One Nigeria.”

British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua also joined the fight for change amid the unrest.

WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion Joshua, born to a Nigerian mother and father of Nigerian ancestry, tweeted: “The situation has escalated, the violence and killings are horrendous. All because of people saying they want to live in peace?

“I pray God opens the gates for the heroes of Nigeria! This was never a trend for me! It’s real life and I want to learn how to make lasting change.

“I’m looking at hospitals to support, along with food and care packages in the time being.”