The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has condemned the violent disruption of a peaceful protest by women at the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin, describing the incident as a violation of fundamental human rights and a threat to democratic values.
CHSR President Alex Omotehinse, In a statement issued on Tuesday, he said the protesters, drawn from Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, were demanding urgent government action over the prolonged abduction of their husbands and children.
Newsmen gathered that Videos shared on social media showed distressed women holding placards, including an elderly woman in a hijab crying in Yoruba that residents of Oke-Ode had been abducted, underscoring the community’s growing frustration over insecurity.
CHSR expressed concern over the alleged failure of security operatives at the scene to protect the protesters, describing the inaction as a dereliction of duty that raised questions about possible complicity.
The organisation said,“What happened in Ilorin is a dark stain on our national conscience,” warning that attacking citizens who peacefully demand protection undermines governance and the rule of law.
The group noted that affected families had received no clear communication or reassurance from authorities, forcing the women to resort to protest as a last option. It cautioned against normalising violence against protesters while criminal activities persist.
CHSR called on the Kwara State and Federal Governments to investigate the incident, prosecute those responsible, and provide a public explanation from the security agencies present.