Two Civil Society Organizations, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and War Against Indiscipline (WAI), have called on the federal government to investigate the killings of protesters by police in Kano State.
About 24 protesters were allegedly killed by the police on Saturday at Karna, Rijiyar Lemon, and Bachirawa areas in Kano. The incident occurred when the security operatives deployed to maintain law and order dispersed the youth with teargas.
In separate statements issued by CITAD Executive Director, Engr. Yunusa Ya’u, and his WAI counterpart, Umar Ibrahim, on Sunday, the CSOs condemned the killings by the police.
Engr. Ya’u said the use of force will only fuel the situation, hence the need to halt the use of force against unarmed protesters exercising their fundamental and democratic rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended and other international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He said, “The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) strongly condemns the recent killing of peaceful protesters by the Nigerian Police Force during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
“The protests, which started on 1st of August, 2024, occurred across various states, including Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers, Plateau, Niger, etc., and began as peaceful demonstrations against economic hardship, anti-masses government policies, and poor governance.
“Unfortunately, these peaceful gatherings have been met with violence and repression by security forces. Reports as of today, 4th August 2024, indicate that at least six protesters were shot dead in Niger, seven in Kano, four in Borno, and two in Kaduna States, with additional fatalities and injuries occurring in other regions.
“CITAD is deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives and the use of force against citizens exercising their fundamental and democratic rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended and other international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
On the other hand, the Executive Director, WAI, Comrade Umar Ibrahim, said the authorities should go beyond investigations to take action to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives and the use of force against citizens exercising their fundamental and democratic rights. The reports of violence and repression by security forces against peaceful gatherings are unacceptable.
“We urge the Nigeria Police and other relevant stakeholders to immediately investigate these allegations and take necessary action against the perpetrators. It is essential to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“We call on stakeholders to join us in seeking justice for the victims and their families. We demand accountability for the lives lost and injuries sustained during the protests. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Ibrahim said.
When contacted, the police spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, did not respond to calls and text messages.
However, a security source confirmed the development to our correspondent.
According to the source, who wished to remain anonymous, the police received a distress call from residents of Kurna, Rijiyar Lemon, and Bachirawa areas in Fagge Local Government Area, informing them about hoodlums attempting to loot properties despite the 24-hour curfew in place.
“Upon receiving the information, the police swung into action and dispersed the suspected hoodlums. Trouble broke out when the hoodlums later regrouped and attempted to attack the Rijiyar Lemon police divisional station. The divisional police called for redeployment and the operatives confronted them,” the source said.
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