Nigeria: Over 300 women assaulted by state agents at a peaceful demonstration in Kano state.
Source:
WRAPA The women were assaulted by police as they protested to reclaim the mandate of a female political candidate.
On Wednesday 25 April, 2007 a group of over 300 women were assaulted by members of the Police Force in Kano State, Tarauni Federal Constituency [Nigeria] while staging a peaceful protest to express concern over the denial of the mandate they gave a female candidate (Saida Sa'ad) who contested the National Assembly elections on the platform of Action Congress (AC).
According to close associates the women, comprising all ages and dispositions, assembled at the Oando petroleum filling station in Tarauni off the Maiduguri highway from where they crossed over obstructed traffic. Just as they assembled, a group of military men inquired about their mission. Upon satisfactory explanations these military men volunteered to assist the women by offering protection and warding off youths and any unwanted intruders.
However, thirty minutes into the protest, armed policemen arrived and began dispelling tear gas and shooting in the air hoping to disperse the procession. In the ensuing confusion, as Saida attempted to get an explanation, canisters of tear-gas were detonated nearby.
Consequently, Saida, who is asthmatic, collapsed and was eventually rushed to hospital where she was given oxygen. She is still on admission at the hospital. Six other supporters were also adversely affected by the tear gas and rough handling by the police.
The incident was aired on the Hausa service of the BBC.
