Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the authorities to repeal police force Order 237, which provides guidance in use of firearms by the police in Nigeria. It is so broad that it permits police officers to shoot protesters, whether or not they pose a threat to life.
Amnesty International considers it unacceptable that force order 237 instructs police officers in riot situations to single out and fire at ringleaders in the forefront of the mob. The definition of riot is so vague, that all protesters, however peaceful, are at risk. The force order also directs officers to fire at the knees of the rioters and explicitly prohibits firing in the air. Shooting at people, regardless of where an officer aims, is likely to result in death.
With more protests announced, President Goodluck Jonathan must demonstrate a commitment to protect the people. The President must repeal Force Order 237 and immediately announce that the use of lethal force is only allowed when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. The President must also set up an independent commission of inquiry to investigate all reports of use of force by the police against protesters. International standards required that any use of force or firearms resulting in death or injury be investigated to ensure that the use of force was abusive. The police must be provided with non-lethal equipment to properly manage public order situations, include protests, even if they turn violent.
The protests started on 2 January, after President Goodluck Jonathan announced the removal of the fuel subsidy. This increased the price of petrol from N65 to N140 a litre. Transport costs have consequently doubled and other essential expenses are expected to rise considerably. Since January 9, tens of thousands of Nigerians throughout the country went on strike to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy and to demand good governance. The protests are generally peaceful, however in some instances, violence has been reported.
In Kaduna, on January10, a man was injured after the police shot him in the head. The state government subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew and the police have threatened to arrest anyone who protests. In Benin City, the capital of Edo State, according to unconfirmed reports, three people were injured on January10 after the police shot in the air, some of the leaders of the protests in the state are currently in hiding.Via The Sun.
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