Amnesty International has revealed that at least 24 people were killed by the Nigerian police during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests from August 1 to 10.
The victims included 20 young people, an older person, and two children, all of whom were shot by the police with live ammunition at close range.
According to Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, the police used excessive force against protesters, firing live ammunition and tear gas at peaceful demonstrations.
Sanusi noted that the death toll could be higher than 24 due to the authorities’ efforts to cover up the atrocities.
The report by Amnesty International documents the violent crackdown on peaceful protests against corruption and economic hardship.
The organization gathered evidence from eyewitnesses, medical workers, and victims’ relatives, which includes videos, photographs, and testimonies.
Sanusi emphasized that the Nigerian authorities must hold the police and other security agencies accountable for their actions.
He also called for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of human rights violations during the protests.
Casualty Statistics
The breakdown of the casualties is as follows: Kano, 12 people killed at Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa.
In Jigawa State, 3 people were killed at Hadejia, while in Katsina State, 1 person was killed at Kofar Sauri.
In Kaduna State, a minor was killed by a soldier in Zaria, and 1 person was killed by police in Kaduna.
The Nigerian authorities have been accused of trying to cover up the atrocities committed during the protests.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to address the human rights violations.
