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Amnesty International has reported that 24 individuals were killed, and over 1,200 protesters detained by police during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Nigeria. The organization’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, shared these findings at a news conference in Kano State on Thursday, detailing the violent crackdown on peaceful protests.
Sanusi revealed that the fatalities included 20 young adults, two children, and an elderly individual. He stated that the deaths occurred during protests held from August 1 to 10 in states such as Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger.
“In all documented cases, the victims were shot at close range by police using live ammunition, often targeting the head or torso, indicating an intent to kill,” Sanusi said. He added that the death toll might exceed 24 due to alleged government efforts to suppress information about the incidents.
The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” outlined the response to demonstrations against economic hardship and poor governance. Amnesty International accused the authorities of employing excessive force against citizens who posed no immediate threat to public safety.
Sanusi called on the Nigerian government to ensure accountability:
“President Bola Tinubu and his administration must conduct thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into these human rights abuses. Those responsible must be identified and prosecuted in fair trials.”
Amnesty International conducted field research between August 12 and 17 in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa, collecting evidence including videos, photographs, and witness testimonies. Medical personnel and victims’ relatives also provided accounts of the violence.
The organization urged the government to address the allegations urgently and uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
