Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria has accused the Nigerian Police of killing 24 protesters during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance protests that took place between August 1st and 10th, 2024. The organization’s report, titled "Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests," claims the victims were killed in six northern states, including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger, with police firing live ammunition at close range.
According to AI's Country Director, Isa Sanusi, the deaths were the result of excessive force, as protesters, largely young people, were shot in the head or torso, suggesting the police aimed to kill. Survivors of the protests also suffered injuries from gunshots and tear gas. Sanusi emphasized that the crackdown violated human rights and the right to peaceful assembly.
Kano state recorded the highest number of casualties, with 12 killed, while other states had varying numbers of deaths. The report further details that the protests were initially peaceful before police began attacking protesters. AI also criticized the government for not holding the security forces accountable, despite overwhelming evidence including eyewitness accounts and video footage.
Amnesty International is calling for an independent investigation into the deaths and for justice for the victims, as well as the release of detainees arrested for participating in the protests. The organization highlighted that over 1,200 people were detained, and more than 146 individuals, including minors, were charged with treasonable felony.
