Lagos - Armed Nigerian police yesterday broke up a farewell party for the outgoing ambassador of the United States, Mr Walter Carrington, held by pro-democracy and human rights groups, diplomats said.
The police smashed down the doors to the room in the Surulere district of central Lagos where the ambassador was, forcing everyone to leave. "They were ready to shoot," a diplomat said, adding that the soldiers appeared tense and nervous. It was not immediately clear if any arrests were made.
The evening was hosted by Mr Abraham Adesanya, a leader of the opposition National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which has been accused by the military regime of launching a number of bomb attacks aimed at the armed forces.
