At least 24 people were reportedly killed and over 1,200 detained by police during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, according to a report by Amnesty International.

The organisation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, disclosed these findings at a press conference in Kano State on Thursday, presenting a report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protest.”

Documented Fatalities

Sanusi revealed that the victims included 20 young people, an older person, and two children, all of whom were shot by police during the demonstrations held from August 1 to 10, 2024. The protests occurred in states including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger.

“In all cases, the victims were shot by police, firing live ammunition at close range, often aiming at the head or torso, indicating an intent to kill,” Sanusi stated.

Amnesty International noted that the death toll could be higher than the confirmed 24 fatalities due to alleged efforts by authorities to conceal the extent of the violence.

Human Rights Concerns

Sanusi described the protests, which were against economic hardship and government policies, as a critical reflection of citizens’ frustrations. However, he decried the excessive use of force by security agencies, describing the crackdown as a human rights violation.

“Peaceful protest over government policies has become a matter of life and death in Nigeria,” he remarked.

The report urged Nigerian authorities to hold the police and other security forces accountable for the use of deadly force, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration conduct thorough and impartial investigations.

Calls for Justice

“President Tinubu and his government must ensure prompt, independent, and effective investigations into these human rights violations. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice in fair trials,” Sanusi said.

Amnesty International’s field research, conducted between August 12 and 17, 2024, in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states, gathered evidence, including videos, photographs, and testimonies from eyewitnesses, medical workers, and victims’ families.

The organisation’s findings have intensified calls for accountability, with many Nigerians demanding justice for victims and an end to the violent suppression of peaceful protests.