Global Rights, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), revealed on Thursday that no fewer than 3,683 people have been killed and that over 259 incidents of high-level mass violence were recorded across the country between January 2018 and March 12, 2019 (a period of 14 months).
The period covers the space of time before, during, and after the recent general elections.
This was contained in a statement made available to Daily Independent in Abuja as one of the highlights of the National Day of Mourning and Remembrance.
The statement noted that hundreds of citizens were brutally assaulted and some murdered.
“Time and again in official reports of these violent deaths, citizens have been dehumanised, and victims’ identities have been reduced to numbers, to soften the gravity of the situation.
“In ensuring veritable narratives and in respect for the lives lost, we must demand an end to impunity and accountability for the security and welfare of all Nigerians.
“The National Day of Mourning and Remembrance for victims of mass atrocities and violent killings is a citizen-led initiative that recognises that victims are more than just numbers; they were humans, citizens whose identities must not be forgotten, whose stories must be told, and for whom justice must prevail,” the group said in the statement.
It explained that the National Day of Mourning was aimed at rekindling a sense of solidarity and of nationhood by reminding Nigerians that we are in this together and that the office of the citizen was the most powerful office that could be occupied in this country.
The group added: “As a sequel to the first National Day of Mourning and Remembrance, this year’s event is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at strategic locations across the country.
“As a citizen leader, we, therefore, request that you save the date, and proactively participate in this year’s activities.
“We will be reaching out shortly on the various ways you can take action or show support.”
The official hash tags for the event include #NDOM19, #NigerianLivesMatter, #MoreThanNumbers, and #LestWeForget.
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