Human rights activist and social commentator, Aisha Yesufu, has strongly criticised the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, over his recent comment calling for suspected vandals to be shot on sight.
Yesufu, who is also a co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls movement, described the statement as dangerous and a sign of growing disregard for the rule of law under the current administration.
In a statement shared on her verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Yesufu said that Onanuga and others who share his views represent what she described as the “worst kind of citizens” because of their support for extreme measures against ordinary Nigerians.
She argued that the people being targeted by such statements are often victims of deep social and economic problems, including poverty, unemployment and government failure. According to her, many Nigerians have been pushed into crime due to harsh living conditions worsened by policies of the present administration.
“The people you want shot at sight are victims of the depravity, unconscionable and insatiable greed of this administration,” Yesufu wrote.
She warned that without respect for the rule of law, justice, and the right to fair hearing, even those in power would not be safe.
“Without rule of law, justice and right to fair hearing, you and those you work for would also have since been shot,” she stated.
Yesufu added that if due process had been followed in Nigeria, many citizens accused of crimes might never have turned to criminal activities in the first place.
The activist further accused the government of destroying the lives of millions of Nigerians through what she described as selfish and greedy governance.
“What is more hideous than how you and the illegitimacy you work for have destroyed the lives of hundreds of millions for your selfish, myopic and greedy interests?” she asked.
She also expressed fear that such statements could reflect ongoing discussions within government circles about using deadly force against citizens.
“For him to talk about shoot on sight, don’t be surprised that it is now part of their discussions and what they plan to do,” Yesufu warned.
The reaction followed a comment by Onanuga in which he reportedly called for the immediate execution of individuals caught vandalising or stealing public infrastructure, especially on federal highways. His remark came amid rising concerns over damage to public facilities, including roads, power installations and other government assets across the country.
Nigeria has in recent years faced serious challenges related to insecurity, vandalism and theft of public property. Oil pipelines, electricity cables, railway tracks and road infrastructure have frequently been targeted, leading to huge losses for the government and disruptions to daily life.
Successive governments have blamed vandals and criminals for slowing down development and increasing the cost of maintaining public facilities. Security agencies have also complained of limited resources and poor intelligence in tackling these crimes.
However, human rights groups and civil society organisations have consistently warned against the use of excessive force by security agencies. They argue that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right to life and fair hearing, and that no citizen should be punished without due process.
The “shoot at sight” approach has been controversial in Nigeria’s history. In the past, similar directives have been issued during periods of unrest, protests or security crackdowns. These orders have often led to allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses.
Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly accused Nigerian security forces of using excessive force, particularly during protests and security operations. One notable example was the #EndSARS protests of 2020, where peaceful demonstrations against police brutality ended in violence in some parts of the country.
Yesufu herself became a prominent figure during the #EndSARS movement, often speaking out against police brutality, bad governance and human rights violations. Her criticism of Onanuga’s comment therefore aligns with her long-standing position on civil liberties and accountability.
Supporters of Onanuga’s stance, however, argue that strong measures are needed to protect public assets and deter criminals. They claim that vandalism costs the country billions of naira every year and worsens already difficult economic conditions.
Nigeria is currently facing serious economic hardship, with rising inflation, high fuel prices and a weakened currency. Many citizens are struggling to afford basic needs, and unemployment remains high, especially among young people.
As of the time of filing this report, Mr Onanuga had not publicly responded to Yesufu’s comments. The Presidency has also not issued an official clarification on whether his statement reflects government policy.
The debate has continued to generate strong reactions on social media, with Nigerians sharply divided. While some agree with Yesufu that the comment is dangerous and unconstitutional, others believe harsh penalties are necessary to protect national assets.