Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory has slammed operatives of the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly opening fire on residents protesting the ongoing demolition in the Karsana area of Abuja.
The lawmaker in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 23, said she is disturbed and angered by the outcome of the events which she described as tragic.
She condemned the attack on unarmed civilians who were out protesting the demolition of their homes.
“That bullets were fired at civilians, people merely trying to salvage their lives and dignity is both unacceptable and indefensible. This is not law enforcement; it is state-sponsored trauma.
“We can not build a just society by bulldozing communities without compassion or firing at citizens instead of listening to them,” Kingibe said.
According to her the attack on the residents represents a gross abuse of power and a violation of the fundamental rights of our people.
She said the level of pain, fear, and indignity inflicted on the protesting residents is one that no human on earth deserves to experience.
She further called on relevant authorities to swiftly investigate the actions of the police and ensure that justice is handed to all parties involved and compensation is paid to victims of the incident.
“The government must remember that its duty is to protect, not persecute. We must rethink this approach to urban development that treats our people as obstacles instead of stakeholders.
“This is a moment for sober reflection, not bureaucratic excuses. I will not stay silent while those I represent bleed. Abuja must not become a place where the poor live in fear of the very government meant to serve them,” Kingibe stated.
