The US presidential candidate Joe Biden has urged Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Nigerian military to cease "violent crackdown on protesters".

A number of people protesting against police brutality were on Tuesday night reportedly shot dead or injured in the country's biggest city, Lagos.

The military has denied shooting at protesters although the Lagos state government has said at least 28 people were injured.

"My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence. The US must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy," Mr Biden said in a statement.

He called for dialogue between the government and the civil society "to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria".