The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for thorough investigation into the killing of a 16-year-old boy, Isma’il Muhammad in Zaria during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
The commission expressed deep concerns over the killing, during the 24-hour curfew imposed to curtail the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, made the call while reacting to the incident that led to the killing.
He said it is particularly troubling given the commission’s previous advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests.
He reiterated that the right to life is sacrosanct and cannot be violated under any circumstances.
“The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially minors, is unacceptable and a clear violation of international human rights standards.
“We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call for the soldier involved to be held accountable” he said.
Ojukwu said, this is not an isolated incident, and the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.
He therefore, urged the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations.
“The authorities should ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the ambit of the law and respect human rights.”
While commiserating with the family of Isma’il Muhammad, Ojukwu said the Commission will leave no stone unturned in investigating this killing and several other violations that took place during the protest.
Recall that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has ordered for the arrest of the soldier who accidentally killed Mohammed.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement explained the cause of death of the teenager.
He added that the soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation.
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