Abuja Indigenes to Security agencies: Stop crackdown on protesters

A group under the umbrella of the Concerned Abuja Indigenes has expressed ‘serious concern’ about alleged ongoing intimidation, harassment and threat against protesters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement on Thursday, Ayedo Danjuma Abdul, on behalf of the body, expressed dismay by the continued “violent” suppression of citizens exercising their constitutional right […]

A group under the umbrella of the Concerned Abuja Indigenes has expressed ‘serious concern’ about alleged ongoing intimidation, harassment and threat against protesters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement on Thursday, Ayedo Danjuma Abdul, on behalf of the body, expressed dismay by the continued “violent” suppression of citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.

Given instances, Abdul said: “Most recently, security forces launched an unprovoked attack on the End Bad Governance protest, demonstrating their intolerance to citizens demanding good governance.

“Similarly, during the Arba’een Symbolic Trek by the Islamic movement, security operatives opened fire on peaceful marchers, killing two people, injuring many others, and arresting dozens without due process. Those arrested during the Arba’een Symbolic Trek continue to languish in prison without fair trial, an outright violation of their fundamental human rights.

“The latest act of brutality came during the International Quds Day protest organised by the Islamic movement in Nigeria, where an elite brigade, the Guards brigade, which is tasked with protecting Nigeria’s high-ranking officials and are only answerable to the president used all sorts of weapons including Armour Vehicles to shoot on protesters carrying only placards and chanting slogans that shows solidarity with the People of Gaza, shooting that a human cannot survive it. They killed many, arrested hundreds, and left several with severe injuries. These barbaric actions have led to the tragic loss of many innocent lives, including Abuja indigenes who were merely going about their daily businesses. We say enough is enough!”

He added that “It is unacceptable for Abuja indigenes to stand by and watch while security agencies violate fundamental human rights to serve foreign interests rather than the interests of Nigerians. We will not allow non-indigenes to turn Abuja into a battlefield at the expense of our people’s safety and well-being.

“We demand justice and accountability. We call on the United Nation’s Human rights Council to immediately launch an independent investigation into these attacks, bring the culprits to book, and ensure that such violations never happen again.

“Those responsible for these killings, injuries, and illegal detentions must face the full weight of the law.

“The Concerned Abuja Indigenes will not relent in defending the rights of the people. We stand firm in rejecting the militarisation of our city and the brutalisation of innocent citizens. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, human rights organizations, and the international community to speak up against these atrocities and demand justice.”