…Calls for care, support to deceased family
The Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN Foundation) has condemned the killing of Mallam Abubakar Aliyu, a resident of Paiko Minna area of Niger state, an indigene of Gusau, Zamfara State.
According to a statement in Lagos on Wednesday by the National Coordinator, NOPRIN Foundation, Mr. Ikule Emmanuel, the incident which took place on the 1st April, 2020 at the cattle market of Izom started when a gunshot was fired by an officer of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attached to the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters, Gawu Babangida Gurara Local Government Area of Niger state.
The statement observed that the operation saw SARS officers chasing people out of the market in the morning of the said day at about 10:15am under the watch of the Divisional Police Officer adding that the alleged SARS officer directly shot the deceased on the chest and he died instantly.
It also said that Mallam Abubakar Aliyu who was a herbal medicine seller before his unexpected death, went out that morning to make sales and return home to take care of his family.
“He was even out of the market venue during the clear out when he was shot. As a result of the incident, the poor family of the deceased; wife and two children have been thrown into hardship as they struggle to feed.
“We appreciate Gurara Foundation for taking it upon themselves to ensure the family survives during this period of lockdown”, the statement said.
NOPRIN, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governors of Nigeria and Zamfara States, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu as well as the Commissioner of Police Niger State to intervene in the situation and see to it that justice was served and that the families affected were well taken care of.
“As a matter of urgency, NOPRIN calls for the following; complete care and support to the families of the deceased.
“Appropriate investigation into the killings, Right abuses happening in States (Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta, Lagos, Ekiti, Kogi, Benue) and appropriate access to justice for victims.
“The news of palliatives being sold in markets like in Minna, should be investigated and culprits brought to book. Citizens should partner with the Police to fight crime and end this trend of jungle justice. Disturbing issues of SGBV should be properly addressed as the numbers are increasing by day.
“Let’s unite in the fight to end these COVID-19 pandemic, SGBV & Extrajudicial killings in Nigeria! This has to stop and it stops now!!”
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