Kwara CDHR Condemns Attack on Women Protesters in Ilorin, Calls for Immediate Arrest, Prosecution of Culprits

 

The Kwara State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) strongly condemns the reprehensible attack carried out by suspected hoodlums on peaceful women protesters near the under-construction Government House gate in Ilorin, the state capital over the weekend.

We view this violent disruption of a lawful and peaceful protest as a direct assault on the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the guaranteed rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and civic participation.

Such acts of brutality against unarmed citizens, especially women are not only unacceptable but also dangerous to the democratic fabric of our society.

CDHR acknowledges and commends the swift, courageous, and statesmanlike intervention of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who unequivocally distanced his administration from the shameful incident and reaffirmed the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest.

His public condemnation of the attack and directive to the Nigeria Police to fish out and bring the perpetrators to justice reflect a commitment to democratic principles, decency, and the rule of law.

We also commend the Governor’s continued efforts to strengthen security architecture in the state, including the recent passing-out of armed forest guards aimed at flushing out criminal elements threatening public safety.

However, CDHR insists that beyond verbal condemnation, justice must be visibly and decisively served.

We therefore demand:

1. The immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals involved in the attack.

2. Transparent investigation into the incident with public disclosure of outcomes.

3. Adequate protection for peaceful protesters and civic groups across the state.

4. Clear directives to security agencies to prevent recurrence of such attacks.

 

Kwara State must not be allowed to drift into a space where citizens are assaulted for exercising their lawful rights.

Democracy thrives only when dissent is protected and when government stands firmly with the people against intimidation.

CDHR remains resolute in its duty to defend civil liberties and will continue to monitor developments closely until justice is served.

Signed:

Taofik Adekunle Jimoh
State Publicity Secretary
Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Kwara State Branch.