Ibrahim Khalil, a social media political commentator popularly known as Dan Shagamu, was found dead in a pool of blood at his residence in Gaida, Kano metropolis, on Wednesday.
Amnesty International, in a statement, said Khalil was “brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers.”
The rights organisation condemned the killing and called on Nigerian authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“In a democracy, outspoken persons or critics are accommodated, listened to, not killed,” the statement reads.
“We are seriously concerned that the Nigerian Government is doing very little to prevent widespread killings, threats, intimidations and other serious human rights violations — within and outside the context of upcoming elections.
“As the elections approach, we continue to receive disturbing reports of politically related threats to life and intimidation.”
ABBA YUSUF ORDERS SECURITY AGENCIES TO FIND KILLERS
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has directed security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for Khalil’s killing.
Sunusi Bature, the governor’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday that Yusuf described the incident as “shocking and unacceptable.”
The governor expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the killing and called for a “thorough investigation to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.”
“Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased, praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest,” the statement reads.
He urged residents of Kano State to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that the government would continue working with security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.
“The Governor further directed the relevant security agencies, particularly the Kano State Commands of the DSS and Nigeria Police, to intensify efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to take the law into their hands.”
Source: Amnesty International / Kano State Government
