Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) has condemned the inhuman attack on religious gathering in Anyigba, Kogi state by political thugs.
In a statement issued in Lokoja on Tuesday, the executive director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu, called on the state government to fish out perpetrators of the act and bring them to book.
INGRA called on Governor Yahaya Bello to call for a stakeholders meeting in Dekina local government area of the state with a view to arresting the deplorable security situation and holding those found wanting accountable.
“The unprovoked and inhuman attack on religious gathering in Anyigba by persons suspected to be politicians is highly condemnable and callous.
“The right to peaceful Assembly is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and these rights are fundamental and inalienable. It is sacrosanct that the Kogi state government comes out to condemn this act and investigate the circumstance surrounding this unGodly action with the aim to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Our people must be free to express their views on whatsoever manner they chose as long as it is lawful and peaceful.
“We condole the victims of this harrowing attack and pray for their speedy recovery,” the statement said.
Aliyu charged the state government to ensure hooligans and miscreants are not allowed to use peaceful protests to deprive citizens of their fundamental human rights.
In the same vein, the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) decried the destruction of people’s properties by hoodlums in Anyigba.
Reacting to the attack of Christians who embarked on prayer walk for the peace of the nation in Anyigba on Monday, the executive director of CHRCR, Comrade Idris Miliki called for investigation and prosecution of the attacks.
“It is regrettable to note the attacked by suspected hoodlums on the prayer walk in Anyigba, Dekina local government area of Kogi state. It is condemnable as the right to peaceful protest is provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We wonder why properties of citizens will be destroyed for no just cause. We call on the relevant authorities to investigate and punish the perpetrators,” he said.
Miliki also called on the #EndSARS protesters to avoid violence and ensure the rights of the citizens they claim to be protecting are not violated.
