Amnesty International alleges killing of 24 protesters, including children by Nigeria police

Amnesty International Nigeria has accused the Nigeria police of killing at least 24 people during peaceful protests over economic hardship and hunger in several northern states between August 1 and 10, 2024.

In a statement released Saturday via its verified social media platforms, the organization stated that the deaths occurred in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger States. Among the victims were 20 young people, two children, and an elderly person.

The protests, driven by rising food prices and worsening economic conditions, were reportedly peaceful until security forces opened fire on demonstrators. Amnesty said victims were shot with live ammunition at close range, often in the head or chest.

Kano State recorded the highest number of casualties with 12 deaths in the Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa areas. Other reported deaths include three in Jigawa (Hadejia), one in Katsina (Kofar Sauri), and one child killed by a soldier in Zaria, Kaduna State. In Maiduguri, three people were shot at Bolori Junction, while three others were killed along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State.

Eyewitnesses in several states, including Kano, Dutse, Katsina, and Minna, told Amnesty that the protests began peacefully but escalated after police used live rounds and tear gas on the crowds.

Amnesty condemned the federal government for failing to investigate the killings, describing it as a violation of human rights and a sign of deep-rooted impunity.

“The Nigerian government has failed to investigate these unlawful killings in utter disregard for the sanctity of life,”; the organization said, calling for justice, accountability, and an immediate end to the violent repression of protests.