Nigerians react to killing of 36-year-old Kolade Johnson
Nigerians have condemned the killing of one 36-year-old Kolade Johnson who was sent to an early grave on Sunday, March 31, after being hit by a police officer's stray bullet during a raid in Lagos state.
The victim, who was 36 years before his untimely death, was watching the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Tottenham when the tragic incident happened.
The heartbreaking incident occurred outside a Kingstine-Jo outlet in Mangoro, near the international airport in Ikeja, as police opened fired while trying to arrest a suspect.
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In his reaction to the killing of the young man, a human rights activist and senior advocate of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, said the need to have special squad that protects the citizens from armed robbery, cultism and armed gangs must be accompanied by proper training of its personnel on civil engagement.
He said: "This is one killing too many of unarmed Nigerians. It has to STOP NOW. The need to have a SPECIAL SQUAD (irrespective of its designation) to protect citizens from armed robbery, cultism & armed gangs must be accompanied by the proper training of its personnel on civil engagements."
Reacting to Keyamo, a Twitter user identified as Ebube, said: "Special squads are kept away from civilians. They are supposed to be rapid response. They are also supposed to be properly kitted with body cameras to manage them. Till they can be properly equipped and trained, they should be disbanded."
Another Twitter user said: "I doubt the issue is about poor training. These guys know exactly what to do. They are simply obsessed with making money illegally through extortion of the most vulnerable amongst us. They have gotten away with murder too many times. Just abolish the unit. Period."
Award-winning female singer, Simi, also condemned Johnson's killing, and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the victim gets justice.
She said: "An innocent person dying because of the recklessness of an organization that only exists cos of lack of value. They do Not care. At all! I'm actually fed up. I'm tired. @MBuhari pls let someone pay for this. Pls. They can't keep doing this to YOUR people and getting away with it."
Below are other reactions by Nigerians:
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Legit.ng previously reported that the presidency offered condolences to the family and friends of Kolade Johnson, a youth who was allegedly shot dead by policemen from Anti-Cultism Unit of Lagos state command on Sunday, March 31.
The presidency took to its Twitter page to offer its condolences to the family and friends of the victim, assuring that the team suspected of involvement in the shooting had been arrested and were undergoing disciplinary procedure.
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