Amnesty International has revealed that at least 24 people lost their lives during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, which spanned 10 days from August 1.
The protests, driven by widespread economic hardship, escalated into violence in various regions. Security forces reportedly used excessive force, including live ammunition and tear gas, to disperse protesters and journalists. Looting and vandalism were also reported in parts of the country, particularly in northern states.
In its latest report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, the organisation disclosed that about 1,200 demonstrators were arrested nationwide during the protests.
Amnesty International accused the Nigerian government of committing acts of torture and ill-treatment against protesters, stating that the crackdown reflects a disregard for citizens’ rights to free expression.
The organisation further alleged that several protesters were arraigned across the country on unfounded charges, which it described as attempts to punish dissent and discredit peaceful protests.
Speaking during the report’s launch in Kano, Amnesty International’s country director, Isa Sanusi, highlighted that among the 24 recorded deaths were two children and 20 young adults.
Sanusi criticised the authorities for firing live rounds at close range and using tear gas indiscriminately, leading to suffocation and injuries among protesters. He noted that the death toll might exceed 24 due to efforts by the authorities to suppress evidence of the violence.
He said that Nigerians witnessed a “high level of lawlessness” as police fired live ammunition at close range at protesters.
“The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ apparent desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities,” he added.
The report also documented the experiences of survivors, with some sustaining gunshot injuries to their arms and legs. Others suffered respiratory distress due to the heavy use of tear gas.
Sanusi called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the human rights violations and provide justice for victims and their families.
“President Bola Tinubu and his government must conduct prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the allegations of human rights violations during the #EndBadGovernance protests, and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair trials,” Sanusi said.
Amnesty International then reiterated its demand for the Nigerian government to end the cycle of impunity and ensure accountability for security forces involved in the violence, emphasising that peaceful protests should not lead to loss of life or freedom.
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