•Urges Protesters to Stop Using Juveniles as Shields
The CLEEN Foundation has called on protesters to cease using juveniles as shields in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. This appeal is part of their recommendations outlined in a report titled: “Observation on the Conduct of Law Enforcement Personnel During The Nationwide #EndBadGovernance Protests In Nigeria,” based on observations from the first day of protests.
Known for promoting public safety, security, and accessible justice through empirical research and legislative advocacy, the CLEEN Foundation expressed serious concern over the use of children as shields during protests.
In response to recent observations from monitoring law enforcement during the protests, the CLEEN Foundation made several additional recommendations: “Engagement and Dialogue: The President should urgently engage in dialogue with the youth to address the concerns that prompted the nationwide protests and take steps to meet their demands.
“Equipping Law Enforcement: Security and law enforcement agencies, led by the Inspector General of Police, should ensure that personnel deployed as first responders to the protests are equipped with modern policing equipment to ensure their safety and that of the protesters. The use of force should be proportionate to the threats. All allegations of misconduct by law enforcement officers should be investigated, and perpetrators brought to justice.
“Peaceful Protesting: Protesters are urged to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands. They should stop using juveniles as shields.
“Medical Care: Hospitals should ensure that injured protesters receive adequate medical care, prioritizing the treatment of gunshot victims before demanding police reports.
“Monitoring and Documentation: Civil society organizations and other stakeholders should continue to closely monitor the protests and document their observations.”
