By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised fresh concern over what it describes as a surge in extrajudicial killings by security operatives, citing the latest fatal shooting in Effurun, Delta State.

The group said the Effurun incident, coming alongside another killing in Abuja on the same day, points to a pattern of abuse and weak accountability within Nigeria’s security institutions.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED said the trend reflects a breakdown of discipline and respect for human life.

The organisation said, “Nigeria cannot continue on this path of bloodshed. We are outraged and deeply shaken by the alarming rise in alleged extrajudicial killings perpetrated by security operatives across Nigeria.

“The frequency and brazenness of these incidents, occurring within mere hours of each other, underscore a dangerous collapse of discipline, accountability, and respect for human life within the nation’s security institutions.”

In Effurun, Delta State, a police officer was captured on video allegedly shooting a civilian in broad daylight over a suspected waybill parcel, sparking outrage.

In Dei-Dei, Abuja, on the same day, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member was reportedly shot dead inside his father’s compound by personnel attached to a military brigade guard. Eyewitnesses disputed official claims that the incident was crossfire.

CHRICED said eyewitnesses claimed the officer later admitted it was a “mistake”.

The group said the recurrence of such incidents mirrors abuses that triggered the #EndSARS protests, warning that promised reforms have yet to take hold.

“Despite public commitments, MOUs, and reform promises made in the aftermath of those protests, the reality on the ground shows that little has changed. The killings continue. The impunity deepens. The promises remain unfulfilled,” it said.

CHRICED also cited reports that at least 24 Nigerians were killed during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.

It warned that plans to recruit 50,000 additional police personnel could worsen abuses without proper safeguards.

“A democratic society cannot survive when security operatives assume the roles of investigator, judge, and executioner. Every suspect, regardless of allegation, is entitled to due process. No uniform confers the right to take a life unlawfully,” CHRICED added.

The organisation also raised concern over reports that families of victims are pressured to abandon their pursuit of justice.

“Justice cannot be negotiated. It cannot be buried. It cannot be silenced. Families who have already suffered unimaginable loss should not be forced to fight alone for justice,” it said.

CHRICED called for independent investigations, prosecution of offenders, reforms to security training, stronger oversight, and public disclosure of outcomes.