For Immediate Release
October 21, 2020
To All Media Houses
HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTERS CONDEMN BRUTALITIES, KILLINGS OF PROTESTERS IN NIGERIA; CALLS ON PREZ. BUHARI, ECOWAS, AU ET AL. TO ACT NOW
The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has expressed abhorrence at the alleged intimidation, attacks, shootings and killings of peaceful civilians in the #EndSars and #EndPolicebrutality” protests ongoing in Nigeria by the security forces.
Several reports chanced upon by the HRRG pointed out to the use of brute force and violent attacks by the security forces against the protestors ranging from beatings, slapping, kicking, unlawful use of tear gas, sporadic shootings of live bullets into the crowds among others resulting to various severe injuries and deaths which amounts to gross violation of human rights.
We condemn the harassments, arrests and brutalities by security forces which has resulted in the death of about 13 individuals and injuries of hundreds of peaceful protesters, in no uncertain terms.
We are also by this statement calling on the government of Nigeria particularly, H.E President Buhari to first and foremost, call the security forces to order, and importantly lead in the immediate and total disband of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
While commiserating with the people of Nigeria and especially the families of those killed and severely wounded, we equally express concern at the human rights abuses and growing insecurity concerns, for a country which has ratified the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, subscribes to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as well as has enshrined in its 1999 Constitution, the right to freedom of assembly and gathering.
As a matter of urgency, we equally appealed to the International Community and the African Union to mount pressure on the Nigerian government and President Buhari, for the brutalities being perpetrated against the protestors to end now. We further called on ECOWAS and its Chairman, H.E President Nana Akufo-Addo to initiate discussions toward total police reform in Nigeria, as part of efforts to keep the situation from spiraling out of control.
Thank You
Signed
Joseph Wemakor
Executive Director
0243676813
Juliet Dankwah
Acting Communication Assistant
0507051779
