Amnesty International has strongly condemned the killing of 18-year-old Chinedu Abimbor, who was allegedly shot dead by police officers in Ekpoma, Edo State, on Thursday.
Reports indicate that Chinedu was killed by a police patrol team, an incident that has further heightened concerns over police brutality in Nigeria.
The human rights organisation described the killing as another example of excessive force by law enforcement officers and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. It expressed frustration over the continued targeting of young Nigerians by the police despite repeated calls for reform.
Amnesty International also urged Nigerian authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The group wrote on Facebook, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of 18–year–old Chinedu Abimbor by the police at Ekpoma Edo state on Thursday. Witnesses said that Chinedu was shot dead by a police patrol team. This incident is yet another evidence of the callous operations of the Nigeria police. For decades, Nigeria police had been targeting youth with utter disregard for the rule of law. It is unacceptable that despite many pledges of reforms, the police in Nigeria continue to operate with complete impunity while fomenting a toxic climate of fear and corruption. The Nigerian authorities must investigate the incident impartially and ensure justice.”
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited calls for urgent police reforms, as citizens demand an end to extrajudicial killings and security force brutality.
In response to the killing, angry youths in Ekpoma took to the streets on Thursday, barricading the major market road in protest. The demonstration disrupted commercial activities and vehicular movement for several hours as protesters blocked key routes.
The protesters marched to the Ekpoma Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, demanding justice for Chinedu. Security forces, led by Ekpoma Area Commander Olayemi Jacob, prevented the crowd from accessing the police station, while the traditional ruler appealed for calm and assured that justice would be served.
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The Guardian reports that the killing comes the same day Amnesty International accused security forces in the country of killing more than 190 protesters between 2014 and 2024.
Reacting to the incident, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, stated that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
