Nigerian Soldiers Shouldn’t Be Deployed To Suppress Civil Rights Protests, Says Atiku

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian Army's actions in arresting and potentially prosecuting the soldier involved in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Kaduna. 

This incident occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Samaru community, where soldiers fired live rounds, resulting in the death of the civilian and widespread panic, as reported by SaharaReporters on Tuesday.

According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers stormed the community, home to thousands of Ahmadu Bello University students, on Tuesday morning and opened fire on civilians.

 

However, the former Vice President on Wednesday in a post on his X handle said soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests. 

 

Atiku asserted that he has consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorized. 

 

He also called 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.

 

The statement reads in part, "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.

 

"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. 

 

"Upholding the principle of accountability is paramount, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, hopefully, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle.”

 

"Even amidst conflicts, it is crucial to adhere to rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests," the statement added.