One of Nigeria’s revered senior lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has alleged that 21 Nigerians have been killed by trigger-happy security agents during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Falana made the allegation in a letter dated April 16 and titled, Re: COVID-19 Killings By Security Forces, and addressed to the secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu.
According to the Human rights lawyer, security forces killed three persons in Cross Rivers and Anambra states during the lockdown to bring the tally to 21.
He, however, urged the NHRC to update its report which claims that 18 persons have been killed by security operatives during the lockdown.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also asked the commission to investigate the unlawful killing of the 21 persons and bring the culprits to justice.
Falana asked the federal government to adequately compensate the bereaved family members of the slain citizens.
“Our attention has been drawn to your report on the 18 people that were brutally killed in Kaduna, Abia, Niger and Katsina States by the armed personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed by the Federal Government to enforce the COVID-19 Regulations.
“However, we have confirmed the unlawful killing of three other persons after the compilation of your report. Specifically, a taxi driver was reported to have been to death by security officials in Cross River State while two other persons were shot dead by the Police in Anambra State.
“Thus, you will agree with us that 21 Nigerian citizens have lost their lives in the hands of trigger happy security personnel under the pretext of enforcing the COVID-19 Regulations,” the letter read in part.
