Human rights organization Amnesty International has accused the Nigeria Police of killing at least 24 protesters and detaining over 1,200 people, including minors, during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
Amnesty released its findings on Thursday, alleging excessive use of force by the police in states including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger. The protests, which lasted from August 1 to 10, were fueled by public dissatisfaction with government policies, including rising petrol prices and economic hardships.
The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” detailed that victims included 20 young adults, an older individual, and two children. Amnesty’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, revealed that police shot many protesters at close range, often aiming for the head or torso, suggesting intent to kill.
In Kano, 12 protesters were reportedly killed at Rijiyar Lemu and Kofar Nasarawa, while Jigawa recorded three deaths in Hadejia. In Katsina, one protester was killed at Kofar Sauri. Kaduna saw two deaths, including a minor in Zaria and another protester in the city. In Maiduguri, three people were killed at Bolori Junction, while Niger State reported three deaths along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
Amnesty noted that the death toll could be higher, as authorities allegedly sought to cover up the incidents. The group called for accountability, urging President Bola Tinubu’s government to conduct an independent investigation and ensure justice for victims.
“The excessive use of force by the police contravenes international human rights standards,” Sanusi said. He emphasized the need for thorough, impartial investigations to hold those responsible accountable.
The report also highlighted the detention of peaceful protesters and supporters. In Kano, 76 minors were among those arrested. Amnesty cited cases of torture, such as that of Khalid Aminu, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna and allegedly beaten with sticks and iron cables. Another protester, Michael Adaramoye, was detained for two months in Abuja.
Amnesty condemned the government’s denials of the killings and criticized the police for perpetuating impunity. “The denial of the killings undermines trust, perpetuates impunity, and exacerbates the cycle of violence,” Sanusi said.
The organization called on the Nigerian government to ensure justice, access to effective remedies for victims and their families, and adherence to international human rights standards in law enforcement practices.
