Excessive Force Used by Nigerian Police Against #Endbadgovernance Protesters
During the #Endbadgovernance protests from August 1-10, 2024, Nigerian police employed excessive force, leading to at least 24 deaths, including minors. Amnesty International condemned the situation in a report, calling for independent investigations into police actions. The protests, which began peacefully against governmental corruption and economic hardship, transformed into violent confrontations resulting in numerous arrests and injuries.
In early August 2024, widespread protests under the hashtag Endbadgovernance erupted across Nigeria, fueled by public anger over government corruption and economic challenges. Tragically, at least 24 protesters were killed, predominantly by police using live ammunition, according to a briefing by Amnesty International. This document titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on Endbadgovernance Protests” details the extensive brutality faced by demonstrators, many of whom were young people.
The police’s confrontation method comprised firing at close range, leading to deaths and severe injuries. Victims included children, with several accounts of individuals suffering from suffocation due to tear gas. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, highlighted the shocking lawlessness exhibited by security forces. He noted that the actual death toll might exceed reported numbers due to state efforts to conceal their actions. It is imperative for President Bola Tinubu to initiate an independent investigation into the events surrounding these protests.
The casualties were recorded across several states—such as Kano, Jigawa, and Kaduna—with people being shot without provocation. Reports suggest that protestors, initially peaceful, faced an abrupt change when police began firing indiscriminately. Eyewitness testimonies and evidence collected by Amnesty International, including photographs and videos, affirm that the state’s response violated international human rights standards.
Furthermore, individuals who expressed support for these protests on social media faced harassment and arbitrary detention. Khalid Aminu, a victim of torture during his subsequent detention by the Department of State Services, recounted his brutal treatment. Notably, the Nigerian police have dismissed allegations of excessive force, perpetuating an alarming cycle of denial and impunity.
The sheer brutality demonstrated against the Endbadgovernance protests signifies a systemic failure by the Nigerian authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly. International law mandates that law enforcement should refrain from using firearms except when facing imminent threats to life. Thus, a thorough investigation into the actions of security forces during these protests is crucial for accountability and justice.
In summary, the violent suppression of the Endbadgovernance protests reveals a distressing disregard for human rights by Nigerian authorities. Acknowledgment of these abuses and the establishment of accountability mechanisms are essential to stopping this spiral of violence and ensuring that the right to protest is protected in Nigeria.
In August 2024, Nigeria faced a wave of protests as citizens rallied against soaring living costs and rampant corruption. The situation escalated into violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. Amnesty International documented the excessive use of force by the police, which included the use of live ammunition resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries. This response raised significant concerns regarding the Nigerian government’s treatment of peaceful protesters and its adherence to both national and international human rights obligations.
The violent crackdown on the #Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria illustrates a profound failure by authorities to respect democratic freedoms. The death of 24 protesters and numerous serious injuries underscore the urgent need for an impartial investigation into police conduct. Nigerians must be allowed to express dissent peacefully without fear of deadly repercussions. The cycle of impunity for state-sanctioned violence must end, and justice must be secured for those affected by this tragic event.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
