AMNESTY International calls on the Governor of Kano state Abba Kabir Yusuf to immediately set up an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the reckless killing of at least 10 hunger protesters at Kurna and Kofar Nassarawa Kano.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria the Amnesty International said, “The general conduct of security agencies, the violent disruptions and destructions caused by alleged hired thugs must also be investigated.
“The commission must conduct its work publicly and must also be resourceful enough to carry out its functions. These includes adequate financial support, plus expertise in criminal investigation, forensic analysis, legal analysis, witness protection and data management.
“Failure to investigate the killings and destruction in Kano, from 1 August to date, by state and non-state actors will be a devastating setback for the rule of law. It will also only perpetuate the culture of impunity which is already so pervasive in Nigeria.
“For an effective investigation that can lead to justice, victims, their families and potential witnesses must be protected from being influenced, harassment, threats, ill-treatment or reprisals to ensure they can make submissions to the panel without fear.
“Kano state government must also ensure that the panel has the mandate to make recommendations to bring the perpetrators of the alleged violations to justice.”
News Point Nigeria had reported how a violent clash between security operatives and protesters defying a government-imposed curfew has left several people feared dead and many others injured in the state.
Eyewitnesses reported that at least 16 people, including women and children, were shot in the confrontation that occurred in the Kurna/Rijiyar Lemo area.
“My elderly mother and three other relatives are confirmed dead, with many others sustaining serious injuries in my neighborhood”, a source told News Point Nigeria Saturday night.
“At least 11 people were shot in our area, including females and children,” recounted another who saw the incident unfold added.
