The African Union Commission chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat on Thursday strongly condemned deadly violence in Nigeria’s biggest city Lagos and called on all parties to “privilege dialogue”.

The statement released by his office reads; “strongly condemns the violence that erupted on 20 October 2020 during protests in Lagos, Nigeria that has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

“The Chairperson appeals to all political and social actors to reject the use of violence and respect human rights and the rule of law,” the statement said.

Amnesty International has said that at least 12 people were killed by the Nigerian army and police in two locations in Lagos on Tuesday in a deadly crackdown on demonstrations spurred by police brutality and deep-rooted social grievances.

The number of deaths across the country since the protests began on October 8, have been placed at 56, with about 38 killed nationwide on Tuesday alone, according to Amnesty International.

Human Rights Watch also corroborated reports that the Nigerian army had opened fire on protesters Tuesday in “a shooting spree”.

The use of lethal force by security forces has drawn international condemnation, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet saying reports suggested it could have been premeditated.

The Nigerian army in response, has on Twitter called reports of soldiers firing on protesters “fake news”.