Nigerian police used excessive force during the #Endbadgovernance protests from 1-10 August, killing at least 24 individuals and detaining over 1,200, including minors. Eyewitnesses reported police firing live ammunition at peaceful protesters, with claims of torture against detained supporters. Amnesty International condemns the police’s denial of these human rights violations and urges an independent investigation.
Nigerian police employed excessive force during the recent nationwide Endbadgovernance protests that occurred from 1 to 10 August, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 demonstrators across several states, including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger. According to a briefing by Amnesty International, many victims, predominantly young individuals, were shot at close range, suggesting an intent to kill. The protests aimed at addressing widespread corruption and escalating economic difficulties in Nigeria.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that peaceful protests devolved into chaos following police aggression, involving live ammunition and tear gas. Amnesty International criticized the police for their blatant disregard for human rights standards, emphasizing that such actions contradict the UN principles governing law enforcement use of force. Additionally, supporters of the protests faced harassment and detention, sometimes leading to severe torture while in custody.
Despite overwhelming evidence corroborating these human rights violations, the Nigerian police have systematically denied their involvement, referring to the accounts as “fake news”. This denial poses a significant challenge to restoring trust between authorities and the public.
Amnesty International demands that the Nigerian government initiate an independent investigation into these incidents to ensure accountability among police forces. Furthermore, it insists on an end to the government’s cycle of impunity towards citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly and free expression.
The #Endbadgovernance protests emerged in Nigeria as a reaction to the surging cost of living and prevailing corruption, with demonstrations commencing on 1 August 2024. The situation escalated when security forces confronted civilians with violent tactics, leading to numerous casualties and widespread detentions. Amnesty International’s reports indicate that prior warnings regarding the potential for police violence were largely overlooked, contributing to a climate of fear and repression. The aftermath has raised serious concerns about the state’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights under international law.
The violent crackdown on the #Endbadgovernance protests highlights the serious deficiencies in how Nigerian authorities manage public dissent. The indiscriminate use of deadly force against peaceful demonstrators not only underscores the urgent need for systemic police reform but also prompts a call for proper accountability mechanisms to address human rights violations. Ensuring justice for the victims of this brutality is imperative for restoring public trust and upholding the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
