NHRC investigates alleged killing of protesters  Newsdiaryonline Mon Jan 9,2012

Bonfire during protest tpday

The National Human Rights Commission has expressed shock over the alleged murder of protesters in Lagos, Kano and Maiduguri and directed the respective Zonal Coordinators of the Commission to commence investigations immediately, to ascertain the facts of the matter.

A statement issued today said the Commission has received reports which indicated that an unspecified number of protesters allegedly died as a result of excessive use of force on by security agencies in Lagos, Kano and Maiduguri.  In Lagos, the police officer who allegedly killed a protester has been arrested and handed over to the state CID for prosecution.

The Commission’s Executive Secretary Prof Bem Angwe disclosed that the commission has already contacted the Inspector General of Police over the matter and said the incidents will be fully investigated and all persons involved will be brought to justice within the law.

He observed that the Commission is aware of the challenges posed to law enforcement agencies by the nationwide protests but said it remains the responsibility of the law enforcement agents to avoid use of excessive force and arbitrary arrests of protesters who have rights to freely express their views in a peaceful manner.

He also reminded persons organizing or participating in protests of their obligation to express their views and conduct themselves in a manner devoid of violence, in order to avoid the breakdown of law and order.

Prof. Angwe called for cooperation between security agencies and the civil society groups towards the effective exercise of the right of citizens to protest peacefully and express their views freely, adding that protest should be used as an instrument of dialogue and not as an avenue for violence and destruction.

The Commission condoles all persons bereaved by the incidents and urged all groups and public institutions involved in organizing or managing protests respectively, to recognize their duties and responsibilities and  take steps to safeguard lives and properties of all persons.

Unconfirmed reports said at least 10 protesters may have been killed across the country today.In Kano police confirmed the death of one person though unofficial figure was higher. Meanwhile, a curfew has been imposed on Kano ,just as the people said they will embark on hunger strike.

The Occupy Nigeria protest in Kano like other parts of Nigeria has been generally peaceful but police  have been accused of shooting  at the protesters.