Amnesty: Nigerian Police Accused of Deadly Protest Crackdown
Amnesty International has accused Nigerian police of using “excessive force” to suppress peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests held nationwide between August 1 and 10, 2024. The protests, sparked by economic hardship and allegations of corruption, resulted in the deaths of at least 24 individuals and the detention of over 1,200 people, including minors, according to Amnesty’s report.
Protesters Fatally Targeted
In its report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, Amnesty International alleged that victims of police violence included 20 young people, two children, and one elderly person.
“In all cases, the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range, often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill,” said the organisation. Some protesters reportedly died from tear gas suffocation, while others suffered severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to the arms and legs.
Evidence of Atrocities
Amnesty’s findings, based on field research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states, include eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and photographic evidence. The report detailed deaths in six states, with 12 killed in Kano, three in Jigawa, and others in Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger.
“People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at peaceful protests,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director. “The death toll could be higher than 24 due to authorities’ desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities.”
Survivors and Detainees Speak Out
Survivors and detainees recounted harrowing experiences. Khalid Aminu, arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna, described being tortured with sticks, cables, and water. “The torture started from the point of arrest. I am yet to fully recover,” he said. Another detainee, Michael Adaramoye, known as Lenin, was held for two months for his involvement in the protests.
Despite mounting evidence, the Nigerian police have consistently denied the allegations, dismissing them as “fake news” or attributing the killings to “unknown gunmen.”
Calls for Accountability
Amnesty International has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an independent investigation into the human rights violations during the protests.
“The Nigerian authorities must hold the police and other security agencies to account for unleashing deadly force on people who posed no imminent threat,” said Sanusi. “This impunity must end, and justice must be delivered to the victims and survivors.”
International law prohibits the use of firearms against protesters unless there is an imminent threat to life, a standard Amnesty argues was blatantly disregarded during the demonstrations.
Background and Aftermath
The #EndBadGovernance protests emerged as a response to rising living costs and systemic corruption in Nigeria. Demonstrators called for urgent government reforms but were met with heavy-handed responses, including arbitrary arrests and charges of treasonable felony against over 146 individuals.
The events highlight the enduring challenge of ensuring the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria, a nation still grappling with balancing security concerns and democratic freedoms. As Amnesty International underscores, justice and accountability remain essential to prevent a repeat of such deadly crackdowns. Crude Oil Prices Decline as Middle East Tensions Ease
