‘Bloody August’ – Amnesty International reveals number of protesters allegedly killed
The Amnesty International has alleged that about 24 innocent Nigerians who participated in the EndBadGovernance protests were killed by security operatives, particularly the police.
This was contained in its investigative report titled, ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests,’ made available to journalists in Kano State on Thursday.
According to the organisation, the Nigerian authorities perpetrated acts of torture and other ill-treatments against innocent Nigerians, who protested against the economic hardship in the country.
The report also revealed that no fewer than 1,200 others, including minors were arrested and detained by the police.
Addressing journalists at the presentation of the report, Country Director, Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, explained that the killings and arrests specifically took place in Kano, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno and Kaduna states.
“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.
“In all cases, 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 being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas”, the report said.
