DiGiVic, a Digital Rights Advocacy Organization, has strongly condemned the state-sponsored attack on 18-year-old Hamdiyya Sidi for lamenting how rampant insecurity is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Sokoto State.
Sidi had criticized the Sokoto State Government’s handling of rising insecurity in the state, demanding an end to the incessant killings by gunmen in a viral social media video.
The video caught the attention of the state government which allegedly deployed both state-actors and non-state actors to attack and brutalise her.
Condemning the attack on Sidi, DiGiVic described the government’s act as egregious and blatant violation of Sidi’s human rights.
According to DiGiVic, citizens have the right to hold public officials accountable and engage in constructive criticism without fear of reprisal.
“DiGiVic strongly condemns the vicious attack on Hamdiyya Sidi, a Nigerian citizen, for exercising her fundamental right to freedom of expression on social media.
“On 13 November 2024 Hamdiyya Sidi was brutally assaulted and intimidated by unidentified individuals allegedly linked to the Sokoto State Government for criticizing the state of insecurity in Sokoto on social media. This egregious act is a blatant violation of Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights standards,” the group said.
DiGiVic noted that the use of violence and intimidation to silence dissenting voices undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.
The group called on the Sokoto State Government to immediately “investigate this incident, bring perpetrators to justice, and ensure that Hamdiyya Sidi’s safety is guaranteed”.
“Law enforcement agencies to take swift action against those responsible for this heinous act.
“Civil society organizations, media outlets, and human rights groups to join us in condemning this uncivil attack and advocate for the protection of digital rights of every Nigerian citizens.“
International partners and organizations to support Nigeria in promoting human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law,” DiGiVic demanded.