The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the shooting of unarmed protesters by the military at the Lekki Toll gate in Lagos state.
Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, in a statement made available to the media Wednesday in Abuja noted that the level of impunity and wanton killings of citizens is like the June 12, 1993 protests.
He demanded thorough investigation, adding that perpetrators should be brought to justice.
He said: “We equally condemn unequivocally the trend wherein sponsored thugs and hoodlums are used to attack peaceful protesters.
“Across the country, and specifically in Abuja, Benin, Lagos, and Kano, there have been a disturbing and consistent pattern of planned attacks on protesters and innocent Nigerians using armed thugs who have killed, maimed and destroyed property.
“Nigerians peacefully voicing their concerns about the state of the country have become victims of violence unleashed by thugs and other rogue elements within the armed services.
“Nigeria is supposed to be a democratic country where the right of peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed. To mow down scores of young people using the fire power of the state constitutes a brazen assault on the inalienable right of citizens to life guaranteed in Nigerian constitution, and in International Human Rights Instruments,” the statement lamented.
CHRICED expressed worry over the gory and blood-soaked images of Nigerians being shot for exercising their right to protest, describing the situation as a stain on the collective conscience of citizens.
“To use the instrument of the state to suppress protests in such a deadly manner, as to recklessly mow down our youths by the guns and bullets of soldiers paid for by the Nigerian tax payers, inflicts deep wounds in our collective soul. Whoever ordered for the triggers to be pulled against innocent protesters has committed manifold murders.”
