By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Saka Idowu Wakilu |
Abudu Akinlola Olumayowa, military veteran and Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant 2023 election, has condemned the gruesome killing of Saka Idowu Wakilu on Sunday in Erekiti, Badagry, Lagos State, after he was shot three times in the back.
In the speech made available to journalists on Monday, he said the continuous killing of civilians in Badagry by security operatives has gone out of hand.
His speech reads:
The spate of killings, batterings, and injuries of Nigerian security personnel in the recent weeks is deeply concerning. However, these incidents cannot be viewed in isolation from the wider context of accumulated maltreatment and abuses of power by security forces. One such incident that illustrates this reality occurred recently in Erekiti community, Badagry, Lagos state, where officers of the Nigerian Customs cum Nigerian Army killed an unarmed civilian during a smuggling operation.
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These incidents are not just isolated acts of violence, but reflect a pattern of abuse that has eroded trust and respect for law enforcement in Nigeria.
Indeed, the corruption and abuse of power by Nigerian security forces is further exemplified by a viral video that has recently surfaced online, showing a clash between officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and Vehicle Inspection Officers in Abuja.
This disturbing incident, which took place in broad daylight, illustrates the depth of corruption and rivalry that exists within Nigeria’s security agencies.
The officers involved in the altercation were seen acting in a manner that was both unprofessional and disrespectful to the public, trading insults and even engaging in physical violence.
This is a heinous and deplorable act, one that should be condemned in the strongest terms.
The Nigerian Customs Federal Operative Unit (FOU) Agbara, under UC Gawi’s command, and the Nigerian Army have not only failed in their duty to uphold the law, but have also violated the fundamental human rights of the civilians in Erekiti community in Badagry.
The use of excessive force and violence against unarmed civilians is reprehensible and inexcusable.
The death of innocent Wakili as a result of this reckless action is tragic and devastating. It is an affront to our common humanity and a grave injustice to the family and friends of the deceased, who is a breadwinner not just to members of his immediate family but also to the depraved and indigent members of the community that he brings succour to.
This incident also highlights the systemic corruption and abuse of power that plague our nation. The collaboration between Customs officers and Army officers in this incident is a clear example of the abuse of authority for personal gain, at the expense of public safety and security.
We call for immediate action to be taken against the officers involved in this incident, and demand an independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of Wakili.
We also demand that the Nigerian Customs Service and Nigerian Army take decisive steps to address the systemic issues that contributed to this tragedy.
The abuse of power and disregard for human life cannot be tolerated. This singular incident is one too many and must serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian authorities to prioritize the protection of citizens’ rights, and to ensure that law enforcement agencies act in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect for human life.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Erekiti community in their quest for justice.
Furthermore, we urge the Nigerian government and civil society organizations to prioritize human rights education and awareness campaigns, to ensure that all Nigerians understand their rights and are empowered to stand up against abuses of power.
The culture of impunity and violence cannot be allowed to continue. Nigerians deserve to live in a society where their rights are respected, their safety is guaranteed, and justice is served.