The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has condemned the reported attack on human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
The group’s convener, Ambassador Yerima Shettima, described the incident as unacceptable and warned that violence against individuals expressing dissenting opinions undermines democratic values and the rule of law.
In a statement, Shettima urged security agencies to conduct an impartial and transparent investigation to establish what happened and identify everyone involved.
He stressed that political differences, personal disagreements or opposing views should never justify attacks against individuals or groups.
According to him, freedom of expression, peaceful engagement and the right to personal safety remain fundamental democratic principles that authorities must protect.
NSCI Calls for Transparent Investigation Into Sowore Attack
Shettima insisted that security agencies must establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that justice is served.
He also warned against allowing political interests or external pressure to influence the investigation.
The NSCI convener maintained that the arrest of suspects should not mark the end of the process. Instead, he said, it should begin a credible investigation capable of establishing the individual roles of those involved.
He called for anyone who participated in the attack or supported the violence to face the full consequences of the law.
Shettima said:
“Those found to have participated in the attack or aided and abetted the violence must face the full weight of the law. Equally, the rights of all suspects must be respected, and the investigation must follow due process.
“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where violence becomes an acceptable response to disagreement, criticism or the exercise of fundamental rights.”
Group Warns Against Political Intolerance
The group also appealed to politicians, public figures and their supporters to embrace tolerance and peaceful democratic engagement.
Shettima warned that actions capable of escalating political tensions could threaten peaceful coexistence and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
He urged security agencies to demonstrate professionalism by pursuing the investigation to its logical conclusion.
The convener further reaffirmed the NSCI’s commitment to protecting human rights, promoting democratic principles and defending the right of Nigerians to express their opinions without intimidation or violence.
The group maintained that accountability and respect for fundamental rights must guide the handling of the incident, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.