The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of 16-year-old boy Isma’il Muhammad in Zaria during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The commission expressed deep concerns over the killing during the 24-hour curfew imposed to curtail the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
In Zaria, Kaduna.
The executive secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, made the call while reacting to the incident that led to the killing.
He said it was particularly troubling given NHRC’s previous advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests, reiterating that the right to life is sacrosanct and should not 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.
Mr Ojukwu added, “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 urged the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations.
While commiserating with the family of Isma’il Muhammad, Mr Ojukwu said NHRC would leave no stone unturned in investigating this killing and several other violations that took place during the protest.
Meanwhile, army chief Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has ordered for the arrest of the soldier who shot dead the youngster.
(NAN)