In Katsina, aggrieved families are seeking justice for their loved ones who were reportedly killed and brutalized during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. The demand for justice stems from allegations of security brutality and excessive use of force resulting in fatalities.
Among the casualties was a minor, along with an unconfirmed number of individuals who were purportedly shot by security personnel during the protest in Katsina. One grieving mother went viral displaying her son’s lifeless body, denouncing the perpetrators and emphasizing that her son was unjustly taken away from her.
Speaking to a resident known as Ramalan, apart from the widely circulated incident, four other victims reportedly encountered brutality from the Nigerian Police and operatives of the Department of State Service during the peaceful protests.
According to Ramalan, he affirmed, “To the best of my knowledge, a total of four individuals, including the youth and the minor seen in the viral video, lost their lives.”
Contrary reports suggested a higher casualty toll with numerous deaths and injuries occurring on the sixth day of the protest in locations such as Kofar Kaura, Kofar Sauri, and Modoji. Russian flags were reportedly wielded by youths during these demonstrations.
Bilkisu Adamu, a mother to an injured young man named Aminu, recounted how her son sustained a gunshot wound on his left hand despite not being part of the protesters. A bullet pierced his hand as he stood near their home, leading to his emergency treatment at the Hajiiya Turai Yar’adua General Hospital.
Expressing her anguish, she narrated, “The atmosphere was filled with teargas, causing distress to both the injured and medical staff. A pregnant neighbor tragically succumbed to the teargas while in labor. My son survived with a gunshot wound, but there were others who weren’t as fortunate.”
Seeking justice for her son, Bilkisu denounced the violence inflicted on innocent bystanders and questioned the excessive use of force by security operatives in residential areas.
Muntari Garba, the uncle of Mallam Shefi’u, another victim who sustained fatal injuries, criticized the lack of government response to the escalating situation and called for restraint and accountability among security forces.
Despite initial denials by the Katsina State Police Command of any fatalities during the protest, the unfolding events demand a thorough investigation and appropriate measures to address the grievances of the affected families.
The silence from the police authorities amidst these serious allegations further underlines the urgency for transparency and accountability in handling such incidents.