By Our Reporter
The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) condemns the recent unlawful arrest, shooting and killing of one of its members by the Nigeria Police Force.
Comrade Salisu Yerima, WAPAN President, berated acts of men of the Nigerian Police who raided one of the landfill sites in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where innocent waste pickers were shot at by policemen attached to Gwagwa Division of the Nigeria Police Force and four registered waste pickers were arrested in there residential apartment near the landfill site where they work on daily basis.
In a statement signed by Comrade Yerima, four waste pickers, Musa Yau, Abdulsalam Yunusa, Abdulaziz Shuaibu, and Habibu Aliyu, were unlawfully arrested near the landfill site. Habibu Aliyu, was shot by the police officers during the operation.
“After shooting him, the police took Habibu to Kubwa General Hospital for medical treatment. They provided a false narrative, claiming they found him injured and decided to assist by bringing him to the hospital.
“However, it was clear that the police were responsible for his injuries by shooting him with life ammunition. Despite being rushed to Hospital for medical treatment, Habibu died the dame day at the hospital.
“Following the arrest, the remaining three waste pickers were unjustly charged and detained overnight before being found not guilty of any charges by the court and granted bail the following morning.
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“The reprehensible actions of the NPF have left the families, friends, and entire waste pickers’ communities in a state of fear and anguish,” the statement read.
WAPAN demands swift and decisive action from the Inspector General of Police to address this grave injustice. We call on the NPF to:
1. Conduct an independent emergency investigation into the matter to hold those responsible accountable.
2. Ensure the immediate arrest and appropriate punishment of the perpetrators.
3. Provide adequate compensation to the family of the deceased victim, Habibu Aliyu.
4. Guarantee that such unlawful acts and misconduct will not be repeated in the future.
5. Engage with leaders of the waste pickers to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The WAPAN leader noted that waste pickers’ work is important to cleaner and healthier environment.
He said in spite of their valuable work, waste pickers faces different challenges among which is harassment by men of the Nigerian Police.
“We are working diligently to earn living through our work and we are duly registered. We are not criminals, we should not be seen or treated as criminals. We contribute immensely to cleaning the environment, contribute the little we can in reducing joblessness among the youths. Our contribution to reduction of climate change is valuable,” Comrade Yerima declared.
He urged WAPAN members nationwide to remain calm as the association pursue justice through legal channels and await the actions of the authorities.
