Kaduna Coalition Plans Protest Against El-Rufai Over Alleged Rights Violations

A civil society coalition under the banner of Kaduna Voices United plans to stage mass protests across Kaduna State and calls for the continued detention of former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

It also demanded the extension of the investigation into his administration into alleged human rights violations.

The group said the planned demonstrations are aimed at demanding accountability for what it described as years of suppression of dissent, extrajudicial killings and disregard for judicial authority during El-Rufai’s tenure in office.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Nura Basiru, the group declared the formation of a “powerful citizens’ front” committed to pursuing justice for victims of alleged abuses recorded during the former governor’s administration.

Bashiru said the protests will take place simultaneously in major locations in Kaduna State and will culminate in a central demonstration in the state capital.

Basiru said, “The purpose of these protests is to demand the continued detention of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and to advocate for the extension of ongoing investigations into his legacy. This legacy is marred by the suppression of dissent, extrajudicial killings and a blatant disregard for judicial authority.

“As concerned citizens and advocates for human rights, we believe that the actions and decisions made during Nasir El-Rufai’s administration have had catastrophic consequences for our communities.

“The time has come to hold him accountable for these injustices. Our movement aims to shed light on the serious human rights violations that cannot be overlooked.

“The most prominent incident of state-sanctioned violence during El-Rufai’s tenure was the Zaria Shiite Massacre in December 2015. Government forces clashed with members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leading to the death of hundreds.

“According to the International Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Army exhibited excessive use of force, which violated the fundamental rights of peaceful citizens (International Human Rights Commission, 2016). This chilling attack raises questions about the state’s accountability for protecting its citizens rather than perpetrating violence against them.

“Numerous reports have accused El-Rufai’s administration of employing the Department of State Services (DSS) to suppress protests with excessive force and intimidation. Activists and ordinary citizens have suffered brutal crackdowns, leading to numerous extrajudicial killings.

“The Nigerian-based organisation Human Rights Watch condemned the actions of the security agencies during this period, emphasising that civilians engaged in peaceful protests should not be subjected to violence (Human Rights Watch, 2019). We stand firm in our demand for justice for these victims and their families.”

The group further highlighted the unresolved disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has remained missing since his abduction in August 2019.

He added, “Perhaps one of the most haunting stories to emerge from this dark chapter in Kaduna’s history is the unresolved disappearance of activist Abubakar Idris, known as ‘Dadiyata.’ Since his abduction in August 2019, there has been little to no accountability or information regarding his fate.

“The impunity surrounding his case reflects the broader culture of oppression and enforced disappearances that continues to terrorise activists across Nigeria. It is unacceptable that individuals advocating for their rights can simply vanish without consequence,” Bashiru said.