Lukman Abdulmalik
On Thursday, Amnesty International launched a report on the #Endbadgovernance protests from 1st to 10th August 2024.
The report entitled “Bloody August” was launched during a press conference at Bon Hotel in Kano.
In her opening remarks, the Finance and Office Manager of Amnesty International, Benedicta Ofili, noted that citizens have the right to protest for their rights.
“It is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives and properties of the citizens,” she stressed.
The Country Director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, highlighted that during their research they found out that at least 24 protesters were killed and over 1,200 including minors also detained.
“Nigerian police used excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance demonstrations between 1-10 August, killing at least 24 people in the states of: Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger.
“The victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill.
“Two survivors suffered injuries after they were shot by the police in the arms and legs; others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas by the police.”
Sanusi asserted that protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria.
He called on the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the allegations of human rights violations during the #Endbadgovernance protests and ensure justice in fair trials.
Speaking on the data gathered, Sanusi revealed that in Kano, 12 people were killed at Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa In Jigawa state, 3 people were killed at Hadejia, while 1 person was killed at Kofar Sauri, Katsina state.
“In Kaduna state, a minor was killed by a soldier in Zaria while police killed one person in Kaduna.
“In Maiduguri, 3 people were killed at A.A. Kime Filling Station at Bolori Junction. In Niger state, at least, 3 people were killed along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
“Between 12-17 August 2024, Amnesty International conducted field research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
“Evidence gathered includes videos and photographs, as well as accounts from eyewitnesses, medical workers, and victims’ relatives, friends, and acquaintances on the ground.
“Those who expressed support for the protests on social media were attacked and many were arbitrarily arrested either by the police or the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The Nigeria Police Force’s denial of the killings of protesters is a disturbing trend that undermines trust, perpetuates impunity, and exacerbates the cycle of violence. It also adds to the agony of the families whose loved ones were killed,’ said Isa Sanusi.
“The attacks disregard assembly. authorities’ brutal on for From failure journalists, human crackdown to restricting rights the on respect the and Nigerian and the protesters rule police ensure to of #Endbadgovernance once law.”
The Country Director called on the Nigerian authorities to bring an end to impunity and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and survivors.
The event’s high point was the sharing of testimonies and the questions and answers session.
