The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has condemned the alleged killing of 16-year-old Isma’il Muhammad by a soldier during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Zaria, Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, expressed deep concern and emphasised that the right to life is sacrosanct and cannot be violated under any circumstances.
Ojukwu, while reacting to the incident said it is particularly troubling given the Commission’s previous Advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the country in a statement signed by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External, Obinna Nwakonye, noted that the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially minors, is unacceptable and a clear violation of international human rights standards.
MUST READ:Nigeria Records 106,604 Human Rights Abuses In June – NHRC
Ojukwu however called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and that the soldier involved must be held accountable.
While stating that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria, Ojukwu said systemic issues leading to these violations must be addressed, and law enforcement agencies must operate within the law and respect human rights.
Ojukwu however noted that the Commission commiserates with Isma’il’s family and assures that it will thoroughly investigate this incident and other violations that occurred during the protests.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
