Amnesty International reported that during the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria from August 1-10, 2024, police actions resulted in at least 24 deaths and over 1,200 detentions. Eyewitness accounts reveal excessive use of force by law enforcement, including live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators, raising serious concerns about human rights violations in the country.
Between August 1 and August 10, 2024, Nigerian authorities violently suppressed nationwide protests under the hashtag EndBadGovernance, leading to at least 24 confirmed deaths from police actions across various states including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger. Amnesty International reported that the police employed excessive force, using live ammunition against demonstrators, often targeting the head and torso, which indicates an intention to kill. Nearly 1,200 individuals, including minors, were arrested, and numerous survivors reported injuries from gunfire and suffocation caused by tear gas.
The protests were sparked by widespread grievances regarding economic hardships and pervasive corruption in Nigeria. Citizens demanded accountability and better governance. Despite the peaceful nature of the initial protests, they were met with brutal crackdowns by law enforcement. The responses of the Nigerian police have raised significant concerns about compliance with human rights standards and the protection of citizens’ rights to assemble and express dissent.
The violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests underscores a grave violation of human rights by Nigerian authorities, emphasizing the urgent need for an independent investigation into the actions of the police. The continued denial of wrongdoing by security forces and the arbitrary detention of peaceful protesters further highlights the systematic failures in safeguarding citizens’ rights in Nigeria. Addressing these issues is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring accountability for human rights abuses.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
