By Osaigbovo Okungbowa, Senior Political Correspondent
Introduction
In a nation already fraught with political tension and civil unrest, the tragic shooting of a 16-year-old #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protester, Ismail Mohammed, by a soldier in Kaduna has intensified the debate over the use of force by security agencies against peaceful demonstrators. Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong statement, urging for thorough investigations and accountability for this and other acts of violence perpetrated by the military, police, and other security agencies. This incident not only highlights the urgent need for reform within Nigeria’s security forces but also raises critical questions about the government’s approach to civil dissent.
The Incident: A Nation in Shock
On August 6, 2024, Ismail Mohammed, a young and hopeful 16-year-old, joined a peaceful protest in the Samaru community of Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement. The protest aimed to address the pressing issues of corruption, economic hardship, and lack of basic amenities that have plagued the nation for years. However, what was intended to be a peaceful demonstration turned deadly when a soldier, responding to a distress call to disperse the protesters, fired a shot that resulted in Ismail’s untimely death.
The Nigerian Army’s Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyeama Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident, explaining that the soldier had fired a warning shot in response to an attack by hoodlums. This explanation, however, has done little to quell the public outrage and calls for justice. The Army’s decision to arrest the soldier involved and subject him to interrogation has been seen as a positive step, but many, including Atiku Abubakar, argue that more needs to be done to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
Atiku Abubakar’s Response: A Call for Justice
In his statement, Atiku Abubakar expressed his sorrow over the incident and commended the Nigerian Army for acknowledging the tragic event. However, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into this and other instances of violence by security agencies during the protests. “I am heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester’s life. I also urge for thorough investigations into other instances of violence perpetrated by the military, police, and other security agencies during these protests, in the spirit of accountability,” Atiku said.
Atiku’s call for accountability is not new. Throughout his political career, he has consistently advocated for the protection of civil rights and the rule of law. He stressed that the detention of the soldier responsible for Ismail’s death is a commendable first step, but it must be followed by a transparent and comprehensive investigation. “The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this unfortunate incident marks a commendable step towards accountability and preserving the rule of law. I have consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorized,” Atiku added.
The Broader Implications: A Pattern of Violence
The tragic death of Ismail Mohammed is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader pattern of excessive force and brutality employed by Nigerian security agencies against peaceful protesters. Reports of violence, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings have become disturbingly common, painting a grim picture of a nation where civil liberties are under constant threat.
The #EndSARS protests of 2020, which called for the disbandment of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), highlighted the systemic issues within Nigeria’s security forces. Despite promises of reform, incidents of violence and abuse of power continue to surface. The government’s failure to address these issues effectively has led to widespread disillusionment and anger among the populace.
The Role of the Military: A Misguided Approach
The deployment of military forces to handle civil protests has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and civil society groups. The use of lethal force against unarmed protesters is a clear violation of international human rights standards and undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Atiku Abubakar’s statement underscores the importance of adhering to rules of engagement even amidst conflicts. “Even amidst conflicts, it is crucial to adhere to rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests,” he stated. The former Vice President’s call for restraint and adherence to lawful protocols highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the military’s role in handling civil unrest.
The Government’s Response: A Disconnect from Reality
The government’s response to the protests and subsequent incidents of violence has been largely dismissive and out of touch with the reality on the ground. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated that security agencies did not use live ammunition during the protests, a claim that has been widely disputed by eyewitnesses and human rights organizations. Egbetokun’s dismissal of the reports as “fake news” further erodes public trust and undermines efforts to address the root causes of the unrest.
This disconnect between the government’s narrative and the experiences of ordinary Nigerians reflects a broader issue of governance and accountability. The failure to address legitimate grievances and the tendency to resort to authoritarian measures only serve to deepen the crisis and fuel further dissent.
The Need for Reform: A Path Forward
The tragic death of Ismail Mohammed and the broader pattern of violence by security agencies underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform within Nigeria’s security forces. This includes strict adherence to rules of engagement, accountability for human rights violations, and the protection of civil liberties.
Recommendations for Reform
1. Independent Investigations
The Nigerian government must establish an independent commission to investigate incidents of violence and abuse of power by security agencies. This commission should be empowered to hold perpetrators accountable and recommend measures to prevent future violations.
2. Training and Capacity Building
Security forces must receive training on human rights and the appropriate use of force in handling civil protests. This includes understanding the principles of proportionality and necessity, as well as the importance of protecting the rights of peaceful demonstrators.
3. Community Engagement
The government must engage with civil society groups, community leaders, and protest organizers to address grievances and build trust. Open dialogue and collaboration are essential to finding sustainable solutions to the issues driving the protests.
4. Legal Reforms
The Nigerian government must review and amend laws that enable the use of excessive force against protesters. This includes repealing provisions that grant security agencies broad powers to suppress dissent and ensuring that legal protections for civil liberties are strengthened.
5. Accountability Mechanisms
There must be robust mechanisms in place to hold security agencies accountable for human rights violations. This includes regular audits, independent oversight bodies, and transparent reporting processes.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Accountability
The tragic death of 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability within Nigeria’s security forces. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s call for thorough investigations and adherence to rules of engagement highlights the critical importance of protecting civil liberties and upholding the rule of law.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of governance and civil unrest, it is imperative that the government takes decisive action to address the root causes of the protests and ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future. The path forward requires a commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of the rights of all Nigerians.
