Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian police of using excessive force against peaceful protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held between 1 and 10 August 2024.
In its briefing, “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, Amnesty International revealed that at least 24 people were killed in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger States.
The victims reportedly included 20 young people, two children, and an older adult.
According to Amnesty International, the victims were shot at close range, often in the head or torso, while others were suffocated by tear gas. Two survivors sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and legs.
“People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at peaceful protests. The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
Sanusi called for an independent and impartial investigation into the killings, adding, “President Bola Tinubu must constitute an independent and impartial investigation of human rights violations during the #EndBadGovernance protests.”
Detailed reports from the protests indicate that in Kano, 12 people were killed at Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa; three were killed in Jigawa’s Hadejia; and one was killed in Kofar Sauri, Katsina.
In Kaduna State, a minor was killed by a soldier in Zaria, while another person was killed in Kaduna. In Maiduguri, three people were killed at the A.A. Kime fuel S
station at Bolori junction. In Niger State, at least three people were killed along the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway.
Amnesty International conducted field research between 12 and 17 August in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States. Evidence gathered included videos, photographs, and accounts from eyewitnesses, victims’ relatives, and medical workers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protests were peaceful until security forces attacked with live ammunition and tear gas.
Those who supported the protests online were reportedly harassed, arrested, or tortured.
Khalid Aminu, arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna, said, “I was tortured for over 60 days… DSS operatives beat me and other protesters with sticks and iron cables. They poured water on me. I am yet to fully recover.”
Despite video evidence and testimonies, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed allegations of excessive force as “fake news” and attributed the killings to “unknown gunmen,” Amnesty International claims.
“It is shocking that police have engaged in flagrant denials of wrongdoing despite public evidence to the contrary, and this speaks to their utter disregard for the sanctity of human lives,” said Sanusi. “Peaceful protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria.”
The human rights group emphasised that international law prohibits the use of firearms against protesters unless there is an imminent threat to life, urging authorities to ensure justice for victims.
Amnesty International has urged the government to comply with its national and international legal obligations by ensuring accountability for the killings.
“The Nigerian authorities must end this cycle of impunity and ensure justice for victims and survivors. Deadly crackdowns on peaceful protests must end in compliance with Nigeria’s national and international legal obligations,” said Sanusi.
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