Criticisms, Condemnation Trail Abuja Shooting as Atiku Calls for independent Investigation

Mixed feelings and criticisms have continued to trail Friday’s shootings and killings near Apo legislator’s quarters in Abuja, which left 9 people dead and several injured.

While the security agency claimed those attacked and killed were members of the deadly Islamic militants, Boko Haram, many people especially those living in the neighborhood disagree with SSS claims.

On Saturday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who condemned the killing called for independent investigation into the killings. He suggested that “Nigeria’s parliament, the judiciary or civil society” should carry out such investigation.

His words:  “since the incident took place in the early morning hours of Friday, there have been conflicting reports concerning the shoot-out with the State Security Service (SSS) claiming that they had a confrontation with the insurgent group, Boko Haram, while independent sources are indicating that the victims were economic migrants squatting in the uncompleted building.”

“Only an independent investigation by Nigeria’s parliament, the judiciary or civil society will unravel the facts behind the killing of nine citizens with 16 others injured in the reported shooting incident.

Supporting his call, Atiku said to him the issue of the shooting “borders on human rights, the rule of law and the sanctity of human life.”

Similarly, a muslim group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in a statement made available to African Examiner said:

“MURIC affirms that Boko Haram insurgents are a misled and misinformed group. Nevertheless, innocent people must not be slaughtered under the guise of hunting Boko Haram. We are particularly bothered by rising cases of religious and ethnic profiling against people who wear beards and Northerners residing in the South.

“MURIC reminds the security agencies that such arrests are arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional. Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement and the liberty of every Nigerian citizen to reside and work anywhere in the country.”