Thousands of Nigerians have been protesting the cost of fuel as a state subsidy has caused a great increase in the price of gas. However, Amnesty International has reported that these protesters are being beaten and even killed by police forces trying to stop the demonstrations. Amnesty also states that a certain police rule known as “Police Force Order 237” allows members of the police force to shoot at protesters at will.
Such brutality and violence by Nigerian police forces is unacceptable as it is the Nigerians’ right to protest and express their opinions. Nigerians must be protected by police forces, not threatened by them.
Tell the President of Nigeria that he must stop this brutality and allow Nigerians to protest freely and without fear of violence.
We the undersigned demand that the government of Nigeria order police forces to stop their brutal and violent tactics against those protesting fuel prices. Nigerians have the right to protest and they should not be subjected to beatings and even being killed by members of the police. Allowing police forces to use `Police Force Order 237`` only allows them to use violence against these peaceful protesters. Such tactics do not unify a country, but only divides it. During this difficult economic time, Nigerian authorities should be leading their people and helping them survive, not suppressing them and pushing them further into poverty.
Please show your people and the world that you support freedom of expression and do not condone violence by police forces. Please tell the police to stop using brutal tactics to suppress the protesters.
Thank you.
