By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has condemned the killing of a truck driver, Mr. Kelechi Ejiofor, allegedly by a soldier in Aba, Abia State, described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, in a statement on Tuesday, said, “this incident represents a grave violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant international human rights instruments.”

Ejiofor, a truck driver, reportedly died from gunshot wounds after he was shot at the Timber Market area of Aba under circumstances that have since generated public concern and conflicting accounts.

FENRAD said the incident raises serious constitutional and human rights issues, noting that the right to life and dignity of the human person as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must be upheld at all times.

The organisation expressed concern over the use of lethal force by security personnel in civilian environments, stressing that such actions call into question issues of proportionality, accountability, and adherence to established rules of engagement.

According to the group, “the tragic killing represents a grave violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution and relevant international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

FENRAD therefore urged the Abia State Government, through its Special Adviser on Security, to immediately institute a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The group said the probe must be conducted by a neutral body independent of the chain of command of the accused officer, establish the facts including the actions and intent of the soldier involved, ensure accountability for any officer found culpable, and be made public to restore confidence.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The culture of impunity within security operations must be decisively addressed to prevent future occurrences,” the statement added.

FENRAD also called on the state government to ensure adequate compensation and support for the family of the deceased, while urging authorities to provide the necessary legal and institutional backing to pursue justice to its logical conclusion.

The organisation further advocated strengthened oversight mechanisms to regulate the conduct of security operatives operating within civilian spaces.

Reaffirming its stance, the group stated that “the protection of human life is paramount and non-negotiable,” adding that security agencies must always operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of citizens.

FENRAD said it stands in solidarity with the family of the deceased and urged all relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure justice is delivered.