Citizens for Justice and Accountability (CJA) strongly condemns the brutal and unjustifiable actions taken by the Nigerian Police against peaceful protesters in Kaduna on Friday, April 5, 2024. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals and left twenty others injured.
The peaceful demonstration, organized to express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and to condemn the ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli government, was violently disrupted by law enforcement authorities. Eyewitness accounts reveal that despite the non-violent nature of the protest, the Nigerian Police resorted to excessive force, using tear gas and live ammunition against unarmed civilians.
It is deeply disturbing that instead of upholding the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the Nigerian Police chose to respond with disproportionate and deadly force. Such actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also undermine the principles of democracy and justice.
CJA calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into the events leading to the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by innocent demonstrators. Those responsible for ordering and carrying out these egregious acts of violence must be held accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, CJA urges the Nigerian government to respect and protect the rights of all its citizens, including the right to peaceful protest. The use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable and goes against the principles of a democratic society.
We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and all those affected by this senseless violence. CJA reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria and beyond.
Signed:
Muhammad Abubakar
Secretary-General
6/4/2024