Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has condemned the reaction of security operatives to peaceful protests in Nigeria, including the more recent #NorthIsBleeding protests.
Sowore, who took to his Facebook page on Wednesday, said the #EndSARS protest influenced the Federal Executive Council to increase the salaries of Nigeria Police Force personnel.
He, however, added that despite the favour done to police personnel by #EndSARS protesters, they still harass and dehumanise protesters despite fighting for a just cause. According to him, several #EndSARS protesters are currently rotting in jail.
With the recent wave of protests against insecurity in the North, Sowore said officers once again dehumanised and harassed protesters.
He recalled how thugs were hired thugs to attack him in court during the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
He added that five protesters are being held at the police cell in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory.
He said, “In October 2020, an #EndSARS revolt visited Nigeria against Nigeria Police Force’s brutality, the same police were deployed alongside soldiers brutally to put down the rebellion.
“Many protesters were killed and maimed by policemen across Nigeria, some protesters are still languishing in detention as I write.
“Today, I was part of a peaceful #NorthIsBleeding protest to ask for the lawful protection of lives and property in the northern parts of Nigeria.
“Again, policemen from Apo and Durumi police stations brutally assaulted peaceful protesters. They also hired thugs to attack me.
“Five protesters are being held at the notorious ‘Abbattoir’ police cell in Apo area of the FCT.
“I am telling this story because the brutal and inhuman Nigerian police force is today a beneficiary of the labour and sweat of the very victims of their vicious policing tactics. They got a salary raise because we fought for them, but look at the way they treat us on a daily basis! #RevolutionNow.”
The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved the upgrade of salaries of police personnel by 20 per cent.
This was made known by the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, after the Federal Executive Council meeting, which was chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dingyadi disclosed that the review exercise will take effect from January 2022.
He further said the review is in response to the demands made by #EndSARS protesters in 2020, involving primarily improved welfare for police officers.
