Nigeria is grappling with a deepening crisis under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The nation is engulfed in violence and turmoil, with extrajudicial killings becoming alarmingly common.
The grim reality is further exacerbated by a troubling lack of accountability, leading to widespread despair and fear among Nigerian citizens.
The Shadow of Extrajudicial Killings
For three years, 103 corpses remained unclaimed in a Lagos morgue. The remains, in a sorry state, were eventually buried by the authorities, highlighting a period of intense violence on Lagos’s lawless streets. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain disputed, reflecting the country’s deteriorating state.
Extra-judicial killings are not new in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigeria. Almost every day brings fresh horrors—innocent students beaten during protests, citizens gunned down for refusing to pay bribes, or individuals murdered for being in the wrong place. The population has grown wearily accustomed to such outrages, but the Lekki Tollgate massacre on 20th October 2020 was especially brutal.
The Lekki Tollgate Tragedy
A protest against police brutality turned deadly at Lekki Tollgate, with more than 100 demonstrators killed. The world was preoccupied with the pandemic, and this human rights atrocity largely went unnoticed outside Nigeria.
The incident has not faded from memory, partly due to the authorities’ prolonged indecision over the burial of the bodies. A leaked document revealed the government’s intention to dump the victims in a mass grave, causing public outcry. Despite official denials, the episode remains a dark stain on Tinubu’s regime.
Continued Human Rights Violations
Tinubu’s administration is marred by ongoing human rights abuses. Civilian lives continue to be lost due to police actions, and the situation has worsened over time.
The Nigerian government has faced accusations of plotting to bury victims of police violence in mass graves. This, along with the systematic denial of police killings, underscores the dysfunctionality of Tinubu’s Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary at the Lagos state Ministry of Health stated the need to “decongest the morgues” due to unclaimed bodies from the Lekki Tollgate protest. This claim highlights the fear among civilians of interacting with the authorities.
Global Indifference and Media Repression
The international community, including the UK, has largely ignored the deteriorating situation in Nigeria. The UK’s focus is diverted to other global issues, leaving Nigeria’s plight unaddressed.
Press freedom in Nigeria ranks low, with journalists facing severe crackdowns. The fear of being “disappeared” has stifled the exposure of the regime’s abuses, contributing to the ongoing crisis.
Under Tinubu’s leadership, dissent has been suppressed, with journalists and opposition members being targeted. Nigeria’s Press Freedom Ranking stands at 123 out of 180 countries, reflecting the grim reality.
The Legacy of Colonialism and Economic Interests
Nigeria’s historical ties with the UK as a former British protectorate add to the moral imperative for British intervention. The legacy of colonial-era boundaries has left a fractured nation struggling to unify its diverse communities.
The country’s rich natural resources have attracted global interest from nations like Russia and China. The UK’s disengagement could lead to increased influence from these powers, undermining efforts for stability.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office must engage Downing Street to address Nigeria’s crisis. New leadership is essential to steer Nigeria towards stability and prosperity, prioritising the welfare of its people.
Calls for International Action
Human rights activists and journalists are urging the international community to take a stand. Nigeria’s crisis requires urgent attention and intervention to prevent further deterioration.
The UK’s strategic interests and moral obligations should drive immediate action, supporting efforts to establish a government that truly represents the Nigerian people’s interests.
The crisis in Nigeria under Tinubu’s leadership continues to escalate, with violence, human rights abuses, and government corruption undermining stability.
The international community, especially the UK, must act decisively to support Nigerian citizens. The path to stability requires new, accountable leadership committed to justice and human rights.
