Amnesty International reports that Nigerian police used excessive force during the #Endbadgovernance protests from August 1-10, resulting in at least 24 deaths and over 1,200 detentions. Eyewitnesses describe the protests as initially peaceful before police aggressively intervened, violating international human rights standards. Calls for independent investigations into these actions emphasize the urgent need for accountability and reform in law enforcement practices.
The Nigerian police employed excessive force to suppress peaceful Endbadgovernance protests from August 1 to 10, resulting in the death of at least 24 individuals across several states, including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger, as reported by Amnesty International. The organization’s briefing highlighted that among the deceased were predominantly young people, including minors, with victims shot at close range, often in critical areas, indicating a lethal intent.
Amnesty International’s report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on Endbadgovernance Protests,” illustrates the chilling reality of brutal confrontations with security forces during protests against widespread corruption and economic hardships. Eyewitness accounts informed the organization that initial protests were relatively peaceful until law enforcement began using live ammunition and tear gas, leading to tragic outcomes.
Eyewitnesses participating in the protests noted a sudden change in atmosphere when police commenced their violent crackdown. The excessive force used is a stark violation of international human rights standards, contravening the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Moreover, security personnel have retaliated against individuals who supported the protests on social media, subjecting them to arbitrary detentions.
Survivors, such as Khalid Aminu, recounted their harrowing experiences at the hands of the Department of State Services (DSS), detailing torture and abuse during their detention. Despite a plethora of evidential material, including videos and eyewitness testimonies, the police have consistently denied their involvement in the incidents, labeling such evidence as “fake news.” This denial only fuels the cycle of violence and impunity.
Human rights advocates call for an independent and impartial investigation into the violations, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and enforcement of lawful conduct among security agencies. The Nigerian authorities must thoroughly investigate all allegations of human rights violations connected to the Endbadgovernance protests to ensure justice for the victims and their families. Significant reform is needed to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and expression in Nigeria, where systemic issues persist regarding the treatment of dissenters.
The Nigerian government’s responses to these protests, including the unlawful arrest of over 1,200 participants and the harsh criminal charges against many, indicate an ongoing disregard for citizens’ rights. The urgent need for change in governmental policy and law enforcement tactics is crucial to restore faith in the system and ensure the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
The #Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria, which occurred from August 1-10, were ignited by public frustration over escalating living costs and rampant corruption within the government. Citizens took to the streets to demand accountability and reforms due to the deteriorating economic conditions. However, the protests were met with severe repression from law enforcement, leading to numerous deaths, mass detentions, and reports of torture. International organizations, including Amnesty International, have raised alarms regarding the excessive force used against peaceful protesters and called for urgent investigations into human rights violations.
The tragic events surrounding the #Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria reveal disturbing patterns of violence and disregard for human rights by the authorities. The use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators not only violates national and international laws but also raises significant questions about the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ rights. Urgent reforms are necessary to ensure accountability for these acts and to establish a safer environment for peaceful assembly and expression in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
