The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned its citizens against visiting its consulate office at Walter Carrington Crescent over a planned protest on the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
Nigerians had earlier announced plans to protest the killing of Floyd, a black man, at the US consulate in Lagos.
This is as some Nigerian protesters on Tuesday demonstrated at the US embassy in Abuja on Tuesday.
During the protest, the aggrieved Nigerians sought an end racial discrimination.
The US Embassy, in a “demonstration alert” published on its website, advised its citizens to be aware of their surroundings.
“The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has received reports that demonstrators plan to gather in front of the Consulate on Wednesday, June 03, 2020, to protest current events in the United States. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence,” the alert read.
While informing US citizens of actions to take, it said, “Avoid the areas of Walter Carrington Crescent, the U.S. Consulate General office building, and surrounding areas. Avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for updates.
“Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa. Review your personal security plans. Wear a mask when in public spaces to protect yourself and others from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
Floyd, 46, an unarmed African-American man, suffocated as a white police officer kneeled on his neck, sparking demonstrations against racism and police brutality.
Protests have been held in cities across the US and other countries, including social media, mostly peaceful but many descending into mayhem.
