By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The killing of innocent and unarmed civilians in Emene, near Enugu in Enugu State last Sunday August 23, 2020 by the combined team of Nigerian security personnel has drawn the ire of various groups and individuals in Nigeria, particularly from the South East and South South.
Reacting to the unwanton killing, a human rights and advocacy group, the Media Advocacy West Africa Foundation (MAWA Foundation) strongly condemned the killing which took place last Sunday August 23, saying the Nigerian government must be held accountable.
In a statement by the Coordinator, MAWA Foundation, Audu Liberty Oseni, sent to TheNiche, the Foundation deplored the unprofessional conduct of the Nigerian security personnel that led to the killing of over 23 unarmed civilians who were alleged to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at their meeting venue.
MAWA tasked the Inspector general of police Mr Mohammed Adamu to ensure that proper investigation into the killing is carried out
“We call for proper investigation and police accountability over the killings in Enugu and other parts of Nigeria where the security personnel had killed unarmed Nigerians who were carrying out their civic rights bestowed on them by the country’s constitution.
“We appeal to the Nigerian government to look into the activities of her law enforcement agents, that will not only prevent the killing of Nigerians and grave human rights abuse but restore the sanctity and human dignity which is fast eroding in Nigeria.
“We call on all human rights organizations and activists to rise against killings and human rights abuse that have become common under Mr. Muhammadu Buhari All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration.
“Mr. Mohammed Adamu, the Nigerian Inspector General of Police should immediately set up investigations into the killings in Enugu and ensures those find culpable are made to face the law.
MAWA decried a situation where all peaceful assembly of citizens mostly end up in attacks, brutality, and shootings by Nigeria law enforcement, stressing that such brutality cannot be condoled in a country that prides itself as a democratic nation.
It posited that in the circumstances of perceived infringement, police ought to make arrests without wasting the lives of the citizens.