In a democracy, the right to peaceful assembly is vital for protecting human life and dignity and maintaining the rule of law.
However, Nigeria’s security forces consistently violate this principle, which has resulted in tragic incidents, including the recent killings of at least 45 Islamic Movement supporters.
These unarmed civilians were participating in a religious procession when military and police forces opened fire, disregarding both national and international legal standards.
Such brutality undermines trust in governance and erodes the foundations of justice.
Amnesty International’s investigation reveals a horrifying pattern of extrajudicial executions during the protests.
Security forces used automatic weapons against defenseless individuals, killing 39 on Monday and six more on Saturday.
Survivors suffered severe injuries, with bullets lodged in critical areas, while medical workers operated in fear of arrest.
These actions were not crowd control measures but deliberate attempts to inflict maximum harm, reflecting a systemic abuse of power.
This tragedy is not an isolated event but part of a long-standing campaign of violence against the IMN.
Since the 2015 Zaria massacre, where over 350 Shi’a Muslims were killed, the government has relied on excessive force to suppress dissent.
The recent shootings—aimed at heads, chests, and backs—clearly demonstrate an intentional pattern of lethality, not lawful intervention.
Moreover, these tactics merely deepen societal divisions and consequently fuel further unrest.
While authorities assert that protesters provoked the violence by throwing stones, international law explicitly states that firearms should never disperse demonstrations.
Live ammunition is permissible only as a last resort to prevent imminent loss of life.
Firing into unarmed crowds violates this standard, constituting a grave human rights abuse.
Nigeria’s continued justification of these acts normalizes impunity and weakens democratic institutions.
The consequences extend beyond the immediate deaths. When security forces operate above the law, public trust collapses, perpetuating cycles of violence.
Amnesty International’s demand for an impartial investigation is not just about justice for victims but about restoring Nigeria’s commitment to human rights.
The government must act decisively to hold perpetrators accountable, from frontline officers to commanding officials.
Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky’s unlawful detention further illustrates this crisis. Despite a federal court ordering his release, he remains imprisoned nearly seven years later.
Such defiance of judicial rulings emboldens security forces to act without consequence.
Nigeria cannot claim to uphold democracy while ignoring its own legal system. Immediate action is needed to reverse this dangerous trend.
To rebuild public confidence, Nigeria must conduct an independent investigation into the killings, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Prosecutions alone are insufficient—structural reforms are necessary to prevent future abuses.
Security personnel require training in non-lethal crowd control, emphasizing de-escalation over aggression.
The use of live ammunition should be banned except in life-threatening situations.
Addressing the root causes of conflict is equally critical.
The IMN’s grievances stem from years of marginalization, requiring dialogue rather than suppression.
Engaging with its leadership could reduce tensions and prevent further bloodshed.
The international community must also pressure Nigeria to uphold human rights, with organizations like the UN condemning violations and supporting accountability measures.
Each life lost in these protests represents a failure of governance and a betrayal of justice.
Nigeria is currently at a crucial juncture; it can choose to either continue the cycle of violence or embrace genuine reform.
Therefore, the decisions made now will significantly shape its future.
By prioritizing human dignity and the rule of law, the government can begin healing a fractured society.
The sanctity of life must never be compromised—anything less undermines the very essence of democracy.
The time for empty promises has passed. Nigeria must act now to end impunity, honor its legal obligations, and protect its citizens.
Failure to do so will only deepen the crisis, leaving more lives at risk and further eroding the nation’s moral foundation.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and Nigeria can no longer afford to delay.
