Much ado about Senate report on Apo killings

In 2006 six Igbo traders lost their lives in the same way as the Apo 8 killed two months ago by a combined team of SSS and military personnel. Well, I support the government’s effort to fight terrorism and overcome it, but it should be done according to the rule of law. We can’t claim […]

In 2006 six Igbo traders lost their lives in the same way as the Apo 8 killed two months ago by a combined team of SSS and military personnel. Well, I support the government’s effort to fight terrorism and overcome it, but it should be done according to the rule of law. We can’t claim to be democrats but act like dictators.
One important point to consider is this, the victims had been living in that place for more than two years and there was no report from any citizen or neighbours, of any security threat from the squatters. There were also initial reports that, they were charged fines, and that they lived there with the consent of the care-taker and the owner of the building, so why were they killed? Why were they even attacked and branded as Boko Haram without proper investigation and confirmation that they were actually members of the group? Or is it because they were from the northern states of Kebbi, Bauchi, Zamfara, Katsina and, Kano? Why is it that the law enforcement agencies do not stick to their role as stipulated in their book? These questions are begging for answers.
What is more worrisome is how the senate stood the truth on its head by favouring the security agencies, not minding that the innocent citizens were not treated justly no matter the situation, as they were just killed like that. The SSS went further to ban two of the accused persons from entering Abuja for two years and ordered them not to speak to the media. What a nation? But the senate should remember that, all Nigerians have rights and they should be respected..We are calling for justice on this issue.
At this point, I appeal to NASS to revisit their report for peace, equity and justice to reign. Media, Human Rights groups, civil society and all stakeholders should make sure they follow this issue to the letter. I also appeal to NASS to come up with modalities to minimize all forms of extra judicial killings, deprivation, humiliation, victimization and intimidation of Nigerians. But it cannot stop us from punishing those who violate laws of the land.
Government should also embark on training and re-training of its security personnel so that they can operate professionally.
Adamu Muhd Usman, Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State. [email protected]