Former APC Official Timi Frank has strongly condemned the killing of nine protesting women in Yola, Adamawa State, by alleged military operatives, describing the act as “senseless, unforgivable, inhuman, and avoidable.”

Key Points from Frank’s Statement:

• Tragic Incident: The nine women, who were protesting the insecurity ravaging their communities, were reportedly killed by military personnel while seeking protection for their families and children. Frank expressed profound sorrow, lamenting that their only crime was demanding safety.
• Frank’s Condemnation: He condemned the incident, calling it a culture of violence and unaccountability that must come to an end. He also emphasized that the government’s response must not be to sweep the issue under the rug. According to Frank, justice is non-negotiable.
• Call for Compensation: Frank demanded that both the federal and state governments take responsibility for compensating the families of the victims. He also called for scholarships for the children of the victims, as well as long-term welfare plans to ensure that these families are not left destitute by the tragedy.
• Appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC): Frank urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate military abuses in Nigeria and across the African continent. He further appealed to the United States for moral leadership in pressing for accountability for the killings.
• Emphasis on Accountability: Frank stressed that justice for the victims must be immediate and called for an end to the barbarism that led to the deaths of the Yola Nine. He warned that this incident should not be brushed aside by the Nigerian government.

The Tragedy in Context:

• The Yola Nine killings have ignited public outrage, especially as the victims were not combatants but ordinary civilians seeking to address the issue of insecurity in their region.
• The deaths highlight the growing tension and frustration among Nigerians who feel that their government is not doing enough to protect them from rising violence, particularly in conflict-ridden regions like Adamawa.

Looking Ahead:

• The call for justice and accountability in this case has the potential to spark wider conversations on military excesses and human rights violations in Nigeria. Many are hopeful that this will push the Nigerian government to act decisively in addressing both the killings and the larger issue of insecurity.

Timi Frank’s appeal to the ICC and the international community signals a growing demand for external pressure to hold Nigerian authorities accountable, especially regarding incidents involving military brutality.