The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has asked Nigerians to come forward with evidence of human rights abuses by security operatives against protesters during the nationwide hunger strike.
According to the Commission, the abuses should include those against journalists and even law enforcement agents. This is even as the Commission stated its readiness to investigate all the abuses for necessary actions.
This was contained in a statement by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Anthony Ojukwu, on Monday. This is even as he lamented the use of force by the security operatives to disperse protesters during the protest, which began on 1 August.
Ojukwu described the attitude of law enforcement agents as an “infringement on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians”.
The Executive Secretary also called on law enforcement agencies to respect the rule of engagement. He, therefore, urged them to adhere to the international standards on policing protest”.
He said, “At the NHRC, we will continue to monitor the situation. And to take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.”
“In the meantime, the NHRC is calling on all well-meaning Nigerians who have credible evidence or information of the violation of rights of protesters or of law enforcement agents or of the media or of innocent citizens to call NHRC Toll free number 6472. Or send the information or evidence to the following addresses,” the statement said.
“The other channels provided by the NHRC for submitting such evidence of rights abuses are infor@nigeriarights.org. Or the physical address of the Executive Secretary of the Commission at No 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja. Or the Facebook handle – NhrcNigeriaonline, and X handle – @NhrcNigeria.
Recall that on the eve of the protests, on 31 July, the NHRC issued a protest advisory to the government, law enforcement agencies and citizens to ensure hitch-free demonstrations.
The Commission also expressed its commitment to monitoring the protests while cautioning security operatives against harassment of protesters.
However, notwithstanding the advisory by the Commission, the #EndBadGovernance protest, which started peacefully in some States, have turned violent.
Reports of looting, burning, vandalism and killings of citizens were recorded in some States, especially in the northerner part.
Recall that following the recorded violence in States like Borno, Kano, and Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, the State Governments declared curfews to curtail violence.
source: Premium Times
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