Amnesty International Demand Impartial Probe into End Bad Governance Protests

The Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian Government to launch an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of Police attacks on protesters during the August 1st 2024 End bad governance Protest in the country.

The Country Director Amnesty International Isa Sanusi made the call while unveiling the report of it’s published investigation in Kano state, North West Nigeria.

According Sanusi, police brutality on the protesters led to the killing of 24 in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger States, pointing out that the transparent investigation will help in bringing those responsible to justice.

“Nigerian police used excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance demonstrations between 1-10 August, killing at least 24 people in the states of: Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger.”

He noted that, the demonstrations which lasted for ten days, had over one thousand being detained including minors.

Indiscriminate

“In all cases, the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas.”

The Amnesty International called on the Nigerian Government to hold police and other security agencies accountable for the use of force on civilian protesters.

“It is shocking that police have engaged in flagrant denials of wrongdoing despite public evidence to the contrary, and this speaks to their utter disregard for the sanctity of human lives.”

The Country Director Amnesty International said, “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. Nigerian authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.” 

“The Nigerian authorities must end this cycle of impunity and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and survivors.” 

He said deadly crackdowns on peaceful protests must end in compliance with Nigeria’s national and international legal obligations and authorities must immediately release those detained for participating in the #Endbadgovernance protests.

Lateefah Ibrahim