Amnesty International displays Police brutality photos at Abuja Exhibition
A picture exhibition highlighting instances of police violence across Nigeria was presented by Amnesty International Nigeria in collaboration with Partners West Africa-Nigeria (PWAN) and with funding from Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).
Participants at the Abuja exhibition voiced shock at the ongoing police brutality in Nigeria despite assurances of reforms to bring the police into compliance with human rights.
Some people emphasised the necessity for the authorities to enhance the salaries and training of the police as well as their working conditions.
In her speech, the director of Amnesty International Nigeria discussed a project called “safer policing initiative: seen through my eyes – the Long term consequences of violent policing” that is being carried out with OSIWA’s assistance.
Ojigho added that the project’s goal is to instil in Nigeria a culture of human rights-based policing that has zero tolerance for improper police behaviour, especially the disproportionate use of force. The “Fairer Force Alliance,” a group of 10 CSOs that includes Amnesty International Nigeria, is implementing the project.
Bashiru Olasupo, the project coordinator, highlighted that the initiative is travelling throughout Nigeria to guarantee that local residents are aware of human rights in connection to policing.
He further stated that it is the government of Nigeria’s responsibility to ensure that the police have the necessary training and equipment to carry out their jobs.
Representatives of the inspector general of police and other security services, journalists, representatives of civil society organisations, and members of the general public visited the exhibition.
