Deadly Crackdown on Peaceful Protest
Amnesty International reported that police killed at least 24 protesters and detained over 1,200 during August’s #EndBadGovernance protest. The organisation emphasised the alarming scale of violence and mass arrests targeting peaceful demonstrators across Nigeria. Isa Sanusi, the organisation’s Country Director, revealed these findings at a Kano news conference, emphasising severe human rights violations.
Protest Deaths and Police Brutality
Sanusi reported that police killed 20 young people, an older adult, and two children during the protests. He stated that officers shot victims at close range, targeting their heads or torsos. He emphasised that these actions indicated a deliberate intent to kill. He criticised the police for showing no regard for the peaceful nature of the demonstrations.
Report Exposes Government’s Violent Response
Amnesty International’s report, “Bloody August,” highlights the Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protesters. The report details police using excessive force against demonstrators in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger states. It accuses authorities of attempting to conceal the extent of the violence. Amnesty International emphasises the severity of these human rights violations during the protests.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
Sanusi, therefore, urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to investigate alleged human rights violations and ensure justice through independent, transparent investigations.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of addressing these killings and insisted on fair trials to hold those responsible fully accountable.
In addition, Amnesty International called for accountability among security forces who used lethal force against unarmed protesters, highlighting the urgency for justice.
Evidence Collected on Ground
Between August 12 and 17, Amnesty International conducted field research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. Investigators gathered testimonies from eyewitnesses, victims’ relatives, and medical workers while collecting photographic and video evidence to validate the atrocities.
International Appeal for Action
Amnesty International, therefore, stressed that peaceful protests should never result in a death sentence for participants. Moreover, the organisation urged Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights and ensure accountability, emphasising the importance of preventing future abuses. Additionally, Sanusi concluded by stating, “Protests are a cornerstone of democracy, and their violent suppression significantly undermines fundamental freedoms.”
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