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The deliberate shooting of unarmed protestors in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria last week was an outrage. I say this as a human being, as a Christian, and as the leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion – which counts some 18 million Nigerians as part of our global family.
But I also say this as a British citizen, knowing that in our recent colonial past the UK has committed appalling acts of violence.
Just over a year ago, I visited the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, India, where a great number of Sikhs – as well as Hindus, Muslims and Christians – were shot dead by British troops in 1919. https://twitter.com/justinwelby/status/1171355601299025923
I had no status to apologise on behalf of the British government for that atrocity. But I could speak of my shame, sorrow and horror that it happened.
And while I absolutely have no place to lecture or rebuke Nigeria, a country that is very dear to my heart, I can say this: learn from our mistakes. Do not go further down the path of violence and injustice. Turn around and find the path of peace, justice and reconciliation.
This is a time for heroes in Nigeria: https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/speaking-writing/articles/time-heroes-nigeria-archbishop-justin-welbys-article-thisday
