By: Daniel Kanu
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has condemned the reported disruption of a peaceful protest by individuals allegedly affiliated with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), describing the incident as a threat to democratic freedoms and a reflection of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the rights advocacy group expressed concern over the alleged attack on members of the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement and other civil society organizations who had gathered to protest worsening insecurity across the country.
According to CHSR, the protesters assembled to mourn victims of violent crimes and demand greater accountability from government authorities over the persistent security challenges facing Nigerians.
The organization noted that public anger has continued to grow following recent incidents of insecurity, including the reported abduction of students in Oyo State and the killing of a male teacher, describing the developments as further evidence of the urgent need for decisive government action.
CHSR said it was particularly disturbed by reports that individuals linked to a student body allegedly disrupted the demonstration, stressing that student organizations have historically played a critical role in advocating for justice, good governance, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“The attack on peaceful protesters is not only barbaric but also an assault on democratic values and the constitutional rights of citizens to freely express their grievances,” the statement said.
The group warned that insecurity has evolved into a national emergency that transcends ethnic, religious, and social divides. It noted that kidnappings, banditry, armed attacks, and other forms of violent crime continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.
CHSR urged organized labour and civil society groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), professional associations, and community-based organizations, to unite in demanding urgent and effective measures to address the security situation.
According to the organization, insecurity should not be viewed as a challenge affecting only certain regions or sectors but as a collective national problem requiring coordinated action from all stakeholders.
The rights group also linked the security crisis to the country’s broader socio-economic challenges, arguing that widespread poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship have compounded the difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians.
It called on federal, state, and local governments to implement policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare while strengthening security architecture to protect lives and property.
Among its recommendations, CHSR demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the reported disruption of the protest, protection of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression, stronger security measures to combat violent crime, and closer collaboration between labour unions, civil society groups, and government institutions in advancing public safety and justice.
The organization further urged authorities to respond to citizens’ concerns with empathy and responsibility, emphasizing that national unity, justice, and respect for democratic principles remain essential to overcoming the country’s challenges.
The statement comes amid growing public concern over recurring incidents of kidnapping, banditry, communal violence, and attacks on educational institutions in several parts of Nigeria, with many civil society organizations calling for comprehensive reforms to improve security and governance.
