The former vice president, Atiku Abubakar says there should be a thorough investigation into alleged violent actions by security agents against protesters during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The #EndBadGovernance demonstration, which began on August 1, has been the subject of accusations that security personnel used live ammunition against demonstrators.
Recall that on Tuesday, a soldier reportedly shot a young protester dead in the Zaria metropolis, Kaduna state.
The Nigerian Army, however, announced on Wednesday that it had arrested a soldier for the death of a 16-year-old protestor in Zaria, Kaduna state.
In response to the soldier's arrest, the former vice president praised the army for quickly addressing the matter.
Saying that security personnel must follow rules of engagement during disputes, Abubakar stated that the military should not be used to put down civil rights demonstrations.
“I am heartened by the acknowledgment made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester’s life,” Abubakar wrote on X.
“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.
He said it is a great step toward accountability and upholding the rule of law that the soldier in charge of this regrettable act has been detained.
“I have consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorized,” he said.
He states that the Nigerian Army's efforts to capture and, presumably, prosecute the soldier responsible for this occurrence are in line with the core idea of accountability, which he believes is extremely important.
