Again, the Muhammadu Buhari-led government of Nigeria displayed its disdain for human rights and peaceful assembly when security forces arrested human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and other activists in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore and other activists were carrying out a peaceful procession to mark the New Year. The activists were almost done with their crossover procession when about seven loaded vans of the Nigerian security forces swooped on them, brutalising everyone at sight.
Eyewitnesses say police officers suspected to be the Rapid Response Squad stormed Gudu junction in Abuja, wounding Sowore before whisking him away with other activists from the location.
They were taken to Abattoir police station of the allegedly disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit in Abuja, where they are currently being tortured and detained.
According to sources, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2019 elections was severely injured by the policemen.
Sowore could not be reached Friday morning. Efforts to contact him via his mobile proved abortive, suggesting that his phones must have been seized or put off. Others who were arrested with him could not also be reached for comments as of press time.