Police used excessive force to violently quash #Endbadgovernance protests – Africa.com
Amnesty International said in a briefing released today that police in Nigeria used excessive force against protesters during nationwide #Endbadgovernance demonstrations from 1 to 10 August, resulting in deaths in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Kazi At least 24 people died in the states of Namibia, Jigawa and Niger.
“Bloody August: Nigeria government violently cracks down on #Endbadgovernance protests” Documented violent crackdowns on peaceful protests against rampant corruption and economic hardship. The victims included 20 young people, one elderly person and two children.
In all cases, the victims were shot by police, often with live rounds fired at close range to the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors were shot in the arms and legs by police, and others were suffocated by indiscriminate use of tear gas.
“The people of Nigeria witnessed incredible lawlessness when security operatives fired live ammunition into peaceful protests. The death toll may have exceeded 24 as authorities worked hard to cover up the atrocities. Peaceful protests against government policies are now a matter of life and death in Nigeria, ” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
“Nigerian authorities must hold police and other security agencies accountable for using deadly force against people who do not pose an imminent threat to life. It is shocking that police blatantly deny wrongdoing despite public evidence suggesting otherwise, which shows that they There is a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life. President Bola Tinubu must conduct an independent and impartial investigation into human rights violations during the #Endbadgovernance protests.”
In Kano, Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa killed 12 people. Three people died in Hadja, Jigawa State and one person died in Kofarsauri, Katsina State. In Kaduna State, a minor was killed by a soldier in Zaria, while police killed one person in Kaduna State. In Maiduguri, three persons died at AA Kime petrol station in Bolori Junction. In Niger State, at least three people died along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Amnesty International conducted field research between 12 and 17 August 2024 in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. Evidence collected includes videos and photos, as well as accounts from witnesses at the scene, medical staff and relatives, friends and acquaintances of the victims.
Witnesses in Kano, Duze, Katsina and Minna told Amnesty International that the protests were largely peaceful when they started on the morning of August 1, but the atmosphere soured when police fired live rounds and tear gas at protesters. Something suddenly changed. The excessive use of force by police against protesters violates international human rights standards, including the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
Those who expressed support for the protests on social media were attacked, and many were arbitrarily arrested by police or the Department of State Services (DSS).
Khalid Aminu was arrested by DSS in Kaduna during protests. He told the international organization: “I was tortured for more than 60 days. The torture started when I was arrested. DSS personnel beat me and other protesters with sticks and cables. They poured water on me. I have not recovered from these atrocities. Fully recovered.” Michael Adaramoye, popularly known as Lenin, was detained for two months for participating in the Abuja protests.
Despite overwhelming evidence, including eyewitness accounts, videos, medical records, testimonies from parents of victims and survivors, and photographs, police have always denied involvement in the killings, dismissing them as “fake news” or blaming them on “identity Unknown gunman.” “
“The denial of killings of protesters by the Nigerian police force is a disturbing trend that undermines trust, perpetuates impunity and fuels cycles of violence. It also exacerbates the anguish of parents whose loved ones have been killed,” I Sa Sanusi said.
“The brutal crackdown on the #Endbadgovernance clearly shows that the Nigerian authorities do not respect the right to assembly and expression of expression. From illegally restricting protesters’ access to certain parts of Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, to attacking journalists, the Nigerian police have shown once again There has been no change in its attitude towards human rights.”
International law is clear that security forces policing demonstrations may not use firearms against protesters unless they pose an imminent threat to life or serious harm, and only if there are no other better ways to avert that threat. Law enforcement officers must never use firearms to disperse demonstrations, even if they become violent. Firearms should never be used as a tactical tool to manage demonstrations. The only rare exception is saving another life.
Nigerian authorities must thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate all allegations of human rights violations and abuses related to the #EndBadGovernance protests. The authorities must identify those responsible and bring them to justice through fair trials.
“Nigerian authorities must end this cycle of impunity and ensure justice for victims and survivors. Ending the deadly crackdown on peaceful protests must comply with Nigeria’s national and international legal obligations,” Issa Sanusi said.
background
From August 1 to 10, Nigerians took to the streets to peacefully protest against the rising cost of living and widespread corruption. In addition to going all-out to stop the protests, the government has also taken desperate measures to punish protesters. Nigeria’s police force denies accusations of excessive force and has dismissed calls for an investigation. More than 1,200 people were detained and more than 146 people, including minors, were arraigned and charged with treasonous felonies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
