SaharaReporters earlier reported that the senior secondary school student of Mayigi Community High School, Ilashe in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, identified as Adeleye Eniola, was allegedly shot dead by a police officer on Friday.
Pro-democracy and human rights advocacy group, the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) on Friday demanded the arrest and prosecution of the trigger-happy police officer, popularly known as alias “Freedom” who allegedly shot dead a schoolgirl in Ogun State.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the senior secondary school student of Mayigi Community High School, Ilashe in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, identified as Adeleye Eniola, was allegedly shot dead by a police officer on Friday.
It was gathered that the police officer who is attached to the Ilaro Area Command was said to have shot dead the schoolgirl and injured others who were around the area, while chasing a commercial motorcyclist.
Reacting to the incident, TIB in a statement jointly signed by its State Coordinator, Ifasegun Ifadola and the Publicity Secretary, Oyefade Opeyemi, said that the incident serves as a stark and heart-wrenching reminder of the urgent need for accountability, transparency and comprehensive reform within Nigeria’s policing institutions.
Demanding justice for the deceased, TIB said that her dreams and aspirations were extinguished “due to the egregious abuse of power by an identified police officer known as "Freedom," an act that should never be tolerated in any civilized society.”
The rights group said that “This alarming incident follows the popular 2020 #EndSars nationwide revolt against Police Brutality, emphasizing the imperative need for immediate and tangible reforms.
“The excessive use of force against unarmed civilians in Nigeria is an alarming trend that cannot go unaddressed. This tragic event once again underscores the systemic issues of police brutality and the need for urgent and tangible reforms to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.
“We demand justice for Adeleye Eniola, the promising girl whose life was cut short by a trigger-happy officer. We call for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding this reprehensible act, demanding full accountability and prosecution for those responsible.
“The involved officer must be held accountable and prosecuted duly under the full extent of the law.
“Furthermore, we call upon the State Governor (Dapo Abiodun), the State Commissioner of Police (Abiodun Alamutu), and other concerned authorities to take swift and decisive action. It is imperative to address this incident, bring perpetrators to justice, and prioritize comprehensive training programs for law enforcement personnel. Emphasis should be placed on de-escalation tactics, empathy, and community engagement to restore trust and ensure the safety of every individual, especially our children and youths within our neighborhoods.
“As a progressive movement, we stand in solidarity with the family and friends of Adeleye Eniola. We extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support during this period of grief and mourning.
“We demand justice! We demand change! We will not stop advocating until justice is served and every individual, regardless of age, ethnic, or background, feels safe and protected in our society.”