Nigeria Twitter reacts to killing of Uniben student, 17 year old girl
Nigerians on Twitter are demanding justice for the rape and murder of a University of Benin nursing student Vera Uwaila Omosuwa by unknown men and the killing of a 17-year-old girl Justina Ezekwe by trigger-happy policemen in Lagos.
The hashtags #JusticeforUwa #JusticeforTina #WeAreTired have been trending on Twitter seeking justice for the victims.
Omosuwa was studying near her home at a Redeem Christian Church of God at Amadasun Street, Ohovbe, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City on Wednesday the 27th of May, 2020, Edo State when she was reportedly raped and murdered by unknown persons.
She died in the hospital on Saturday, three days after the attack.
Edo State police spokesman Chidi Nwabuzor said the State’s Commissioner of Police has ordered for the transfer of the case from Ikpoba Hill Division to the State C.I.D.for a discreet investigation, stating that the Command will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ezekwe was hit by a stray bullet at Berger-Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, Lagos, on the evening of May 26, 2020.
The police officers reportedly fired the shots from their pin down point by the Third Mainland Bridge.
The officers involved in the shooting, ASP Theophilus Otobo, and Inspector Oguntoba Olamigoke were attached to Bariga Police Station and have been arrested.
One Musa Yakubu, 35, was also injured by a stray bullet. Tina was hit by a stray bullet that pierced through the left upper side of her lap according to eyewitnesses.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital immediately after the shooting but the battle to save her life lasted for two days.
17-year-old Tina Ezekwe died on May 28, 2020, around 2.29 pm at the hospital. The other victim, Yakubu is said to be in stable condition.
The police spokesman, Bala Elkana, while reacting to the incident stated that the officers involved will face internal disciplinary actions and prosecution.
“If found culpable, they will be arraigned in Court,” he said.
Nigerians on Twitter have however expressed their concern about the Nigerian authorities’ silence on gender-based violence, police brutality, insecurity, and other vices in the country.
Many, including celebrities condemned years of inaction that has allowed the problems to fester.
I am not angry, I’m sad. Anger has gotten us no where. We are asking that you stop raping us , we are not yours to do as you wish. We are humans and just want to live without fear .Is that too much to ask? STOP RAPING US #EnoughIsEnough #WeAreTired #JusticeForUwa #JusticeForTina https://t.co/zpqM4wDUuJ pic.twitter.com/M0mdho6uWr
— Renè The Leader ❤️ (@Rene_noire) June 1, 2020
#WeAreTired of senseless killings, lorries falling on road and killing passengers, ACs catching fire and burning houses, young girls getting raped, young boys killed by SARZ, no jobs for graduates, please add your own frustration because my list is long
— Tiwa Savage (@TiwaSavage) May 31, 2020
People don’t really know, but no one is immune of police brutality. I was a victim not long ago to the extent of being hospitalized but it is a story for another day. The police have been empowered with too much authority that is hardly checked and often abused. #WeAreTired
— Bello Shagari (@Belshagy) May 31, 2020
Few days ago, #JusticeForTina was trending. Today, it is #JusticeForUwa. The Nigerian state must do all to protect our young girls. Their lives matter and any criminal who attacks and ends it brutally must be brought to justice.
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) May 31, 2020
Guys, please join in on this online protest. It’s the least we can do from home. Take it to all your socials. Tag any government officials who need to know or celebrities who can amplify. #WeAreTired #justiceforjennifer #JusticeForUwa #ActuallyICan#MyBodyMyChoice pic.twitter.com/X0vbW46YlM
— ebele. (@ebelee_) June 1, 2020
She had just been admitted to the University of Benin to study microbiology. She was 22. Uwa’s dream of becoming a nurse has now been dashed by rapists and murders. All she wanted to do was read. When will girls feel safe again? #JusticeForUwa pic.twitter.com/K0zo7RUkk6
— FUPA President. (@eltonjay_) May 31, 2020
We cannot be dealing with everything going on in the country and still deal with incompetent Police Officers.
This is just one of the many deaths caused by Policemen in Nigeria.
We are asking for justice for these victims.
We are asking for a system that works! #JusticeForTina pic.twitter.com/ncBiy4F3MM— NATACHA AKIDE FOUNDATION (@NatachaAkide_FN) May 31, 2020
#WeAreTired of injustice, complacency, corruption, nepotism, terrorism, ethnocentrism, racism, RAPE, MURDERS, discrimination and all the inconsistencies!!!!!
— 🧘🏻🌸 (@4evayoursz) May 31, 2020
#JusticeForUwa because if we were holding men more accountable for their actions, and teaching them about consent Uwa would still be here with us today. My heart breaks for her, and I pray that justice is served. Please keep fighting for Uwa and other girls. NO justice, NO peace pic.twitter.com/fTsIlNrPLj
— PRO BLACK. (@lilshawtyrue) May 31, 2020
Silence is the new crime against humanity 🦋 #Justiceforuwa #JusticeForTina #JusticeforGeorgesFloyd and all other stories left untold 💔
— WurlD #AFROSOUL (@thisisWurlD) June 1, 2020
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