Amnesty International has strongly condemned the recent violent attacks on peaceful demonstrators in Ibadan, Oyo State. The protesters had gathered to demand immediate government action and transparency regarding a recent wave of missing children in the region. ​
According to eyewitnesses and local reports, the peaceful rally turned chaotic when security forces and unidentified armed individuals disrupted the gathering. Several demonstrators, including parents of the missing children and human rights advocates, were reportedly injured during the altercation. ​In a statement released today, Amnesty International characterized the crackdown as a blatant violation of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
​”Targeting citizens who are peacefully demanding accountability and safety for their children is entirely unacceptable,” the statement read. “The Nigerian authorities have a duty to protect protesters, not to silence them through intimidation or force.”
​The human rights organization highlighted that the families of the missing children are already enduring immense psychological trauma, which has only been compounded by the aggressive response from law enforcement. ​
Tensions have been escalating in Ibadan over the past few weeks following a spike in reported abductions targeting minors. Frustrated by what they perceive as a sluggish response from local law enforcement, community members organized the protest to draw national attention to the crisis.
​Amnesty International has laid out immediate demands for the government and security agencies. Demanding an immediate, impartial investigation into the violence against the protesters to ensure those responsible are held accountable and guarantee from Oyo State authorities that citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear of reprisal.
​Local civil society groups have echoed Amnesty’s demands, vowing to continue their advocacy until definitive actions are taken to secure the region and bring peace to the affected families.
