ODM leader Raila Odinga has called on the African Union to expedite probe into the injuring and killing of peaceful protesters in Nigeria.

In a statement shared on his facebook page, Raila expressed his concern over the killing of protesters terming it as worrying and unacceptable.

"The police brutality and abuses that have gone on in Nigeria for the last couple of days, leading to multiple deaths and injuries of unarmed civilians are extremely worrying and unacceptable. There can be no excuse for that amount of brutality on unarmed civilians protesting misconduct on the part of the police." reads the statement.

Adding "The brutality meted out on protesting civilians is a sad reminder of how precarious and threatened Africa's march towards democratization, respect for rights and freedoms and the rule of law remains. Yet it is clear that as a Continent, we won't achieve much without strict adherence to these ideals."

The former Prime Minister want those responsible for the killings be held responsible .

"I therefore wish to call upon the African Union and Nigerian authorities to investigate the violence and murders that have gone on and hold the perpetrators to account. Africa and its institutions must stand up for and condemn the brutalization of its citizens at home with the same energy and vigour it responds to the violations of its citizens abroad." he says.

Raila is the second African leader to raise his voice over the issue after Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“I join all well-meaning persons in calling for calm and the use of dialogue in resolving the #EndSARS impasse in Nigeria." he posted on twitter Wednesday evening.

Adding " I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end, and has begun the processes that will lead to reform. Violence, be it on the part of the police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery."

Witnesses and the rights group Amnesty International said several people were killed and wounded when soldiers opened fire.

An indefinite 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Lagos and other regions.