news > Statement - AOMA APPEALS FOR CESSATION OF VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Statement - AOMA APPEALS FOR CESSATION OF VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

2020/10/26 01:29:56 PM

AOMA APPEALS FOR CESSATION OF VIOLENCE, URGES PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN NIGERIA

The African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) has noted with concern that citizen protests in Nigeria, which began with a call to end police brutality and disband the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have culminated into violence, leading to loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property. Particularly disturbing are reports that security forces have used excessive and disproportionate force against protestors at Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos, Nigeria on 20^th October, 2020.

AOMA stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria to condole families that have suffered loss of a loved one or injury and call for full accountability and swift dispensation of justice in this unfortunate turn of events.

While the Nigerian government has since disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and protests have morphed into wider calls for better governance, AOMA notes the grave accusations levelled against SARS, including allegations of killings, rape and extortion, and calls for far-reaching reforms to forestall recurrence of these violations. AOMA further calls on security forces in Nigeria to exercise necessary restraint and uphold the right to peaceful protest, which are the immediate measures needed to de-escalate the present situation.

Noting the role that ombudsman institutions play in promoting human rights and redressing grievances of malaise in public administration, AOMA calls on the Nigerian Public Complaints Commission to innovatively use its mandate to address some of the present challenges in furtherance of the goal of a peaceful and secure Africa.

Signed on behalf of AOMA on the 23^rd Day of October 2020 in Pretoria, South Africa

ADV. BUSISIWE MKHWEBANE

PRESIDENT OF AOMA