CDHR: FG’s Shoot-On-sight Order Is Useless If Soldiers Do not March Into Forests

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) says the shoot-on-sight order issued by President Muhammadu Buhari will be meaningful if soldiers march into forests.

On Wednesday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson, said Buhari had directed security agencies to shoot anyone seen with AK-47 rifles.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday by Osagie Obayuwana, its national president, CDHR noted that such orders will only have effect if forests are raided as those who carry AK-47 rifles do not stay at bus-stops or in markets.

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“To the CDHR, the shoot-on-sight order reported to have been made by Mr. President will only have meaning when the soldiers march into the forest,” the statement reads.

“This is especially so as those with AK47 rifles are not at bus-stops and shopping malls; they are in the bushes and forests.

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“Besides, Mr. President needs to be reminded that it is not only farmers who are at risk; travellers on most high ways in Nigeria are at the mercy of rifle wielders, who have made a sport out of pouncing on vehicles in-between cities and towns.”

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The group also called on the federal government to ensure that the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, is the last of such occurrences.

It also urged government at all levels to ensure that security modalities are in place in all schools.

“We will, however, be more assured to see modalities being worked out between federal, state, and local governments to enhance development of infrastructural facilities in all schools, a principal part of which ought to be fencing and security facilities, with adequate day and night security personnel being a major component,” the group added.