By Zainab Rauf
THE CONCERNED Abuja Indigenes have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate release of over 200 individuals detained during the March 28 International Quds Day protest in the Federal Capital Territory.
The group also demanded compensation for victims and a thorough investigation into alleged military brutality during the demonstration.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s spokesperson, Ayede Danjuma Abdul, condemned what he described as an “unjustified massacre” by Nigerian soldiers, claiming that at least 27 protesters and bystanders were killed, 66 injured, and over 380 arrested.
“What began as a peaceful solidarity march turned into a bloodbath when heavily armed soldiers, including armoured units, opened fire on unarmed civilians,” Abdul stated.
He accused the military of using excessive force, including live ammunition and physical violence, against demonstrators.
Allegations of Custodial Killings, Withheld Bodies
The group alleged that some detainees were killed in military custody after being arrested. Among the victims was businessman Abdullahi Bello, who Abdul said was “beaten to death in an army barracks” rather than shot during the protest.
“These were not deaths from clashes at the protest site — they occurred after arrests,” Abdul emphasized. He further claimed that security forces targeted innocent residents, including passers-by and traders, many of whom remain detained without charge.
The group also accused authorities of withholding the bodies of the deceased, preventing families from conducting burials. “At least eight corpses are decomposing at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Mortuary in Gwagwalada, with others scattered across four different morgues in Abuja,” Abdul said.
Calls for Justice and Compensation
The Concerned Abuja Indigenes urged President Tinubu to:
Release all detainees, particularly those held in Kuje and Suleja prisons, many of whom reportedly require medical attention.
Return the bodies of the deceased to their families for proper burial.
Launch an independent investigation into the killings, especially those alleged to have occurred in military custody.
Compensate victims’ families and those whose livelihoods were disrupted by the crackdown.
Abdul also condemned the deployment of soldiers for civilian protest control, stating, “Peaceful demonstrations are not war zones. The military must never again be used to suppress unarmed protesters.”
Appeal for National Unity
In his closing remarks, Abdul framed the incident as a national concern, transcending regional or religious divides.
“This is about justice, human rights, and the soul of Nigeria. We stand together—Muslims, Christians, northerners, southerners — in demanding accountability,” he said.
The Nigerian Army and police have yet to respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, human rights groups have echoed calls for an independent probe into the March 28 violence.
