One year after the deadly crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, Amnesty International has said victims and survivors are still waiting for justice.
The human rights group made this known on Friday in a statement posted on its website and social media pages, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to act on the killings, torture, and arrests of peaceful protesters between August 1 and 10, 2024.
According to Amnesty International, the protests were sparked by anger over economic hardship, inflation, high food prices, and increased fuel costs.
The movement spread quickly across cities, with many young people taking to the streets. While some protests remained peaceful, violence broke out in certain areas as police clashed with protesters.
Amnesty said at least 24 people were killed in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Kaduna States after police officers allegedly opened fire on protesters.
“Amnesty International found that the police fired live ammunition at close range, often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill,” the statement said.
The group’s director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said, “The Nigerian authorities are yet to take appropriate and effective measures to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
The statement also noted that some protesters were tortured while in detention. It said a few minors collapsed in court during their trial in Abuja on November 1, 2024, after being denied food and proper care.
In Maiduguri, Borno State, several protesters were convicted after what Amnesty described as sham trials. They were charged with being members of a group called Zanga Zanga and accused of planning to take up arms against the government. Some were punished with community service, flogging, or jail terms.
In Abuja, several protesters are still facing trial for charges like inciting mutiny, destabilising Nigeria, and levying war against the state.
“The Nigerian authorities pressed on with all charges brought against #EndBadGovernance protesters despite overwhelming evidence that they did not break any law,” Amnesty said.
The group condemned what it called “a violent crackdown” by the government and said it showed a clear disregard for human rights. It urged the government to hold security officers accountable and stop using firearms to control protests.
Amnesty also called on the international community to speak up and pressure Nigeria to respect citizens’ rights. “The #EndBadGovernance protests may be over, but the fight for justice and accountability continues,” it said.
