Civil society declares second national day of mourning

On Tuesday, May 28, after the children who have survived violence would have been celebrated, Nigerians all over the country will gather at strategic locations to reflect on the throes of insecurity and injustice.

Lives of many Nigerians have been lost to insecurity, notably in police brutality, and the violent attacks that persist unabated in the North.

As a result, the Joint Nigeria Civil Society Action, a group of civil organisations championing human rights in Nigeria, has declared a national day of mourning to remember all victims of violent killings across Nigeria.

In a document jointly signed by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, human rights lawyer, Abiodun Baiyewu, executive director of Global Rights, and other members,

the group said the aim of the exercise was to call on the government to stand up to its primary responsibility of protecting human lives and properties.

It also described the event as a citizens-led initiative to express solidarity, and demand accountability for the security and welfare of all Nigerians,

The event will hold across the nation simultaneously as a way to awaken the consciousness of Nigerians to stand up and unite against injustice.

Recalling the ongoing violent killings in Kaduna and Zamfara states, the group said, it is rapidly spiralling into a national catastrophe and are threatening the very fibre of Nigeria’s nationhood.

“Our call comes at a time when virtually all states of our country have been beset by violent killings with impunity,” the group said.