Amnesty International
Amnesty International has alleged that at least 24 Nigerians who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests were killed by security forces, primarily the police.
The allegations are detailed in its investigative report, “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” released to journalists in Kano State on Thursday.
The report accuses Nigerian authorities of engaging in acts of torture and other ill-treatment against citizens protesting economic hardship. It also claims that over 1,200 individuals, including minors, were arrested and detained during the protests.
At the report’s unveiling, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, highlighted that the incidents occurred in multiple states, including Kano, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, and Kaduna.
“The Nigerian police used excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations between August 1-10, killing at least 24 people across six states,” Sanusi stated.
He further revealed that the victims were often shot at close range, with police allegedly targeting the head or torso, suggesting intent to kill. Survivors recounted being injured by gunfire, with some suffering suffocation due to excessive use of tear gas.
The report underscores the severity of the crackdown and calls attention to the need for accountability and justice for the victims.
