The bodies of some Shiites killed during the International Quds Day protest in Abuja laid to rest during their funeral By Zainab Rauf, Abu...
 |
| The bodies of some Shiites killed during the International Quds Day protest in Abuja laid to rest during their funeral |
By Zainab Rauf, Abuja
The New Arewa Youth Movement (NAYM) has condemned the recent extrajudicial killing of members of the Islamic movement, popularly known as Shiites, by security forces in Abuja. In a strongly worded statement, the group decried the violence and called for accountability from the Nigerian government.
“These unlawful and excessive actions by security agencies against peaceful protesters represent a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles,” the statement read. NAYM expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its solidarity with those affected by the tragic events.
The incident, which involved security forces allegedly using lethal force against demonstrators, has sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations and civil society groups. The youth movement emphasized that the continuous suppression of lawful protests through violence erodes public trust in security agencies and undermines democratic values.
In its petition to the government, NAYM demanded an “independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into these killings,” urging authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. “Justice must be served to prevent further acts of impunity by security forces,” the statement asserted.
The organization also urged the government to halt the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, stating that the right to protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy. “Security agencies must operate within the confines of the law, respecting human rights and employing non-lethal crowd control measures when necessary,” NAYM stated.
The movement further warned that the continued violence against Shiite members would have long-term consequences, fostering resentment and deepening divisions within the society. “The continued killing of members of the Islamic movement will leave a lasting scar in the hearts of future generations, creating a cycle of hatred, animosity, and deep-seated distrust between the people and the security agencies,” it cautioned.
NAYM called on civil society organizations, human rights groups, and the international community to demand justice and accountability. “Silence in the face of such brutality only emboldens the perpetrators,” the group said.
Muhammad Farouk, the Public Relations Officer of NAYM, reiterated the organization’s commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of fundamental human rights. “We will not relent in our demand for accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights as enshrined in the Constitution,” he stated.
The killings have ignited fresh debates on the use of force by security agencies in Nigeria, with many urging reforms to prevent further violations of human rights. As calls for justice grow louder, all eyes are on the government to take decisive action and ensure accountability for those responsible.
No comments