#EndSARS: Update citizens on efforts to ensure justice for victims, CSOs tell FG

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have asked the federal government to provide an update regarding justice and compensation for victims of police brutality.

In October 2020, #EndSARS protesters submitted a five-point demand to the federal, one of which was justice for families of victims of police brutality.

One year after, with reports on plans to commemorate the nationwide protests, the CSOs, in a statement issued on Thursday, asked the federal and state governments to use the opportunity to engage with citizens.

“One year after the start of a series of events that would significantly change police-citizen relationships in Nigeria, it is evident that #EndSARS became a platform for young people to express their frustration with a security architecture that had failed in its primary purpose—protecting the lives and property of Nigerian citizens,” the statement reads.

“However, this socio-political outburst was not to negate the hard work of members of our security agencies – police and military officers – who are constantly on the frontlines, protecting citizens and the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.

“As different activities are being organised to mark one year since the protests, including the solemn commemoration of #LekkiKilling – October 20, Nigerians ask that the federal government take a step of reconciliation towards citizens.

“First, by providing an update on what has been done to ensure victims get justice and due compensation.

“Secondly, by providing an update on what the government has done over the past year to improve the welfare of police officers and ensure that our police force is equipped psychologically to enable civil interaction with citizens.

“Thirdly, provide an update on how the government is equipping the Nigeria Police Force with the appropriate tools to carry out their delicate task of securing lives and property alongside a concrete plan for consequence management when such a need arises.

“This anniversary is an opportunity, to foster dialogue on justice and peace, so we invite the state governments and the federal government to engage with citizens and protect them from violence in the fulfillment of their mandate as stated in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended) in Section 14 (2b) which states that the welfare and security of the citizens shall be the primary purpose of government.”

The CSOs that signed the statement are Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Yiaga Africa, Amnesty International, Partners West Africa – Nigeria, Gavel, The Interactive, and Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI) Nigeria.