“Deeply Saddening”: Nigerian Senator Reacts as Security Forces Kill 22 During Protests

• Senator Ireti Kingibe has said Nigerian authorities must acknowledge and address the "painful" killings that happened during the protests against hardship in the country
• Kingibe asked the federal government to immediately address Nigeria’s unique challenges because there is "suffering" in the country
• Senator Kingibe said Tinubu's government must wear a human face by prioritising empathy, inclusivity, and accountability in its policies and actions

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs.

FCT, Abuja - Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing Abuja, on Sunday, August 11, bemoaned the alleged violent actions by security agents against protesters during the 'End Bad Governance' protest.

There have been allegations of the use of live ammunition by security operatives against protesters during the 'End Bad Governance' protest, which commenced on August 1 and ended on August 10.

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A report by ABC News said 22 were killed.

Legit.ng reports that while most of the victims were shot in city centers where the rallies were concentrated, some were in more remote areas where the hardship they were marching against was more pronounced.

Kingibe wrote on her verified X handle:

"The loss of life and suffering are deeply saddening, and it is crucial that we acknowledge and address these painful realities.

"I am deeply concerned about the excessive use of force by the police and other security agencies against peaceful protesters.

"Such actions are counterproductive and do not contribute to resolving the issues at hand.

"It is imperative that the federal government adopts a more empathetic and dialogue-driven approach to sensitive matters."

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Meanwhile, Anietie Ewang, a Nigerian researcher with Human Rights Watch, said Nigerian security forces are known to use excessive force to respond to protests, often leading to loss of lives, and this time was no different.

Protests: Expert kicks as journalists face harassment

Sharing his expert perspective on the just-concluded protest, John Andah, the executive director of Abuja-based ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, said he is "gravely concerned" about the recent attack on journalists by thugs in some locations.

Andah told Legit.ng:

"I am particularly concerned about reports of targeted violence towards journalists by thugs, especially in Abuja and Lagos.

"Journalists should be protected to carry out their duties as constitutionally mandated."

Furthermore, Andah noted that Nigerians want "immediate solutions" to the nation's challenges and it is the responsibility of the Bola Tinubu-led administration to "provide citizens with concrete actionable steps towards meeting their demands".

Protest: Atiku reacts as soldier kills teenager

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Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president of Nigeria, said he is "heartened" by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the killing of a teenager in Zaria, Kaduna state.

This follows the army's admission of responsibility for the fatal shooting in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna state in a statement.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 elections, urged for thorough investigations.

Source: Legit.ng