Many have condemned the shooting of Omoyale Sowore, the human rights activist, former presidential candidate,  pro-democracy campaigner, and founder of an online news agency.

Sowore was shot by a female police officer of the Nigerian police in Abuja on Monday during a protest against the rampant killing and insecurity in the nation at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. 

Among of those who have condemned Sowore’s shooting is Amnesty International, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP, Comrade Deji Adeyanju

The human rights group in a tweet on Monday said protesters deserved to be listened  ‘received disturbing report that activist Omoyele #Sowore was shot by the police, during a protest against rampant insecurity in Abuja. Protesters deserved to be listened to, not shot at.

Also, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in in a statement on Twitter condemned the act saying that government should end the crackdown on protesters, and allow people to peacefully exercise their rights.

SERAP said: ‘We condemn reports that Omoyele Sowore, a journalist, and activist, was shot at by the police in Abuja this morning during a peaceful protest at the Unity Fountain. Authorities should end the crackdown on protesters, and allow people to peacefully exercise their rights.

‘Nigerian authorities should promptly, thoroughly, and transparently investigate the allegation of shooting of Sowore and crackdown on protesters, publish the report of their investigation, and ensure that anyone suspected to be responsible is brought to justice.

‘Nigerian authorities should immediately take concrete steps to reverse the longstanding impunity for these kinds of violations and misconduct by law enforcement agencies. Victims and their families deserve nothing less.

‘The Guidelines on Policing Assemblies in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, provides that “firearms must never be used to disperse an assembly. Intentional use of lethal force is prohibited unless it is strictly unavoidable to protect life.”

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‘We’ll hold Nigerian authorities and @PoliceNG to account for the reported shooting of Omoyele Sowore and attacks on protesters at the Unity Fountain.

‘It is unacceptable that  @PoliceNG reportedly fired tear gas canisters directly at protesters at the Unity Fountain, instead of above them.

‘The police should only use tear gas when necessary to prevent further physical harm and where possible issue an advance warning.

‘The deliberate use of lethal force is only permissible when it is strictly necessary to protect life.’

Moreso

Amnesty International received disturbing report that activist Omoyele #Sowore was shot by the police, during a protest against rampant insecurity in Abuja. Protesters deserved to be listened to, not shot at.

— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) May 31, 2021