Violence Claims 3,683 Nigerians In 14 Months.
Global Rights, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Abuja,
revealed on Thursday that no fewer than 3,683 people have been killed
and that over 259 incidents of high-level mass violence were recorded
across the country between January 2018 and March 12, 2019 (a period of
14 months). The period covers the space of time before, during, and after the recent general elections. This
was contained in a statement made available to Daily Independent in
Abuja as one of the highlights of the National Day of Mourning and
Remembrance. The statement noted that hundreds of citizens were brutally assaulted and some murdered. Time
and again in official reports of these violent deaths, citizens have
been dehumanised, and victims’ identities have been reduced to numbers,
to soften the gravity of the situation. In ensuring veritable
narratives and in respect for the lives lost, we must demand an end to
impunity and accountability for the security and welfare of all
Nigerians.
The National Day of Mourning and Remembrance for
victims of mass atrocities and violent killings is a citizen-led
initiative that recognises that victims are more than just numbers; they
were humans, citizens whose identities must not be forgotten, whose
stories must be told, and for whom justice must prevail, the group said
in the statement. It explained that the National Day of Mourning
was aimed at rekindling a sense of solidarity and of nationhood by
reminding Nigerians that we are in this together and that the office of
the citizen was the most powerful office that could be occupied in this
country. The group added: “As a sequel to the first National Day
of Mourning and Remembrance, this year’s event is scheduled to hold on
Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at strategic locations across the country. As a citizen leader, we, therefore, request that you save the date, and proactively participate in this year’s activities. We will be reaching out shortly on the various ways you can take action or show support. The official hash tags for the event include #NDOM19, #NigerianLivesMatter, #MoreThanNumbers, and #LestWeForget.