By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has condemned what it described as, “Senseless Violence and Police Brutality during #EndBadGovernance Protest in Azare, headquarters of Katagum LGA of Bauchi State.”
The PRP in a statement signed by Hon. Abdulazeez Haruna, State Secretary stated that, “We are deeply shocked and appalled by the brutal and merciless brutality exhibited by security operatives during yesterday’s (Monday) #EndBadGovernance protest in Azare Town, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.“
The party strongly condemned the violence, looting, and vandalism that marred the protest, which resulted in the destruction of property and the injury of innocent people.
“We are equally outraged by the gruesome act of a Police operative gunning down a protester in cold blood on broad daylight,” he added.
According to the PRP, “In a video evidence, it was seen that a protester was brutally tortured by some persons before being shot dead by a Police Officer standing beside a white Toyota Hilux van.”
It stressed that, “The officer’s actions were not only reprehensible but also a stark reminder of the state of impunity that has become synonymous with our society.”
“The PRP demands that the relevant authorities immediately fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and subject them to the fullest extent of the law. It is unacceptable that in a democratic society, citizens are being treated with such disdain and brutality,” The statement further contained.
The party further stated,”We urge the government to take concrete steps to ensure that security operatives are held accountable for their actions and that measures are put in place to prevent such atrocities from happening in the future.”
The PRP then reiterated its support for peaceful and non-violent protests as a means of promoting positive change in our society calling on all citizens to remain peaceful and continue to exercise their fundamental rights to free speech and assembly.
It added, “We also urge the National Human Rights Commission, the Police Service Commission, and other relevant bodies to launch an immediate investigation into this incident and bring those responsible to justice.”
The PRP stressed that it will continue to monitor the situation and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.