By Muhammad Muntazar
A group under the umbrella of the Concerned Abuja Indigenes has expressed “serious concern” about the alleged ongoing intimidation, harassment, and threat against protesters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement, Ayedo Danjuma Abdul, on behalf of the body, expressed dismay over the continued “violent” suppression of citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.
Abdul cited several instances, including the End Bad Governance protest, where security forces launched an unprovoked attack, 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 a fair trial, an outright violation of their fundamental human rights.
The latest act of brutality came during the International Quds Day protest organized by the Islamic movement in Nigeria, where an elite brigade, the Guards Brigade, used excessive force, including armored vehicles, to shoot at protesters carrying only placards and chanting slogans in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The shooting was so severe 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. The group stated, “We say enough is enough!” 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.
The group demanded justice and accountability, calling 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. They stand firm in rejecting the militarization of their city and the brutalization of innocent citizens. The group urged all well-meaning Nigerians, human rights organizations, and the international community to speak up against these atrocities and demand justice.
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