The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, a non governmental organization, has lamented the gross abuse of human rights perpetrated by state agents in the enforcement of the lockdown order directed by the federal and state governments.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the CDHR, Gerald Katchy, made available to signaturetv.org fingered the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Army, which actions he said had resulted in preventable deaths in Chikun, Kaduna State and Warri in Delta State.
“Enforcement of the lockdown in our collective interest does not call for that kind of over zealousness”, Katchy said in the statement.
While calling for justice and compensation to the families of the victims of “these extra judicial killings”, the CDHR noted what it called alleged corrupt practices on the part of some policemen.
The human rights group also said it noticed lapses in the distribution of palliatives provided for the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and some other states.
“We suggest a new strategy for the implementation that is more participatory and guaranteed as much as possible, equality of opportunities and freedom from discrimination”.
Applauding the renewed lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States, the CDHR enjoined states that have not ordered the lockdown to do so to help eradicate the coronavirus in the country.
“No doubt, pains and gains go together. At this time, we must realize that no sacrifice is too great for our collective survival in a time like this. We, therefore call on Nigerians to support and cooperate fully with government at all levels in this renewed bid to ensure our survival and win victory over this pandemic ravaging all nations”, the group cautioned.
The CDHR, therefore recommended a more civil approach and the use of persuasion by the lockdown enforcement agencies in sensitizing Nigerians on the imperatives of voluntary compliance.
Signaturetv.org/PR/DS
