Police officers disperse protesters with teargas in Abuja during the nationwide marches against bad governance in August 2024
Amnesty International says Nigerian authorities have failed to ensure justice for victims of the #EndBadGovernance protests — a year after the nationwide marches.
In August 2024, a 10-day protest fuelled by economic hardship and spiralling inflation, took place across the country.
The protest was largely peaceful in the south. However, in the north, skirmishes and violence were prevalent, with properties destroyed and Russian flags waved for full measure.
According to Amnesty International, at least 24 protesters were killed across Nigeria with 1,200 arrested during the demonstration that began on August 1.
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However, the police had denied the killings of protesters, while threatening to sue Amnesty International.
In a statement on Monday, the global rights organisation said the federal government failed to hold the police to account for the “horrific attacks” on protesters.
“One year after the police used lethal force and carried out mass arbitrary arrests of peaceful #EndBadGovernance protesters, the Nigerian authorities have failed to ensure justice for victims and survivors, while the police bizarrely continue to deny strong allegations of extrajudicial execution, torture and unlawful arrests of the protesters,” the statement reads.
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“What happened in some parts of Nigeria from 1-10 August 2024 is a clear demonstration of Nigerian government’s utter disregard for human rights.
“Failing to hold the police to account for the horrific attacks on #EndBadGovernance protesters will only encourage Nigeria’s security forces to continue using firearms as tactical tool for the management of demonstrations.”
